Blood and Heart Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to blood characteristics, red blood cells, heart anatomy and physiology, as well as common disorders.

Viscosity

A measure of thickness; blood is about three times more viscous than water.

Alkaline pH

The pH level of blood, which ranges from 7.35 to 7.45.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are part of the immune system and protect against pathogens.

Erythropoiesis

The process of producing red blood cells, which begins in the red bone marrow.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen and carbon dioxide; contains iron ions that bind oxygen.

Erythropoietin

A hormone released by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding, involving vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and blood clotting.

Antibodies

Also known as immunoglobulins; proteins produced by B cells that protect against pathogens.

Cardiac output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute, calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume.

Stroke volume

The amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction.

Atrioventricular valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles, including the tricuspid and mitral valves.

Pacemaker cells

Cells in the sinoatrial node that generate action potentials to initiate heartbeats.

Afterload

The resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood; increases in conditions like atherosclerosis.

Congestive heart failure

A condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow.

Fetal circulation

The circulatory system of the fetus that bypasses the lungs and liver through specific structures.

Atherosclerosis

A disease characterized by the buildup of plaques in the arterial walls.

Myocardium

The muscular tissue of the heart responsible for contraction.

Cardiac cycle

The sequence of events in the heart during one heartbeat, including contraction and relaxation phases.

Systemic circuit

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Pulmonary circuit

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.

Carbonic anhydrase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate and protons.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells or insufficient hemoglobin.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder where blood does not clot properly due to a lack of clotting factors.