Human Anatomy and Physiology - Circulatory, Respiratory, and Blood Systems

Flashcards for human anatomy and physiology exam preparation, focusing on the circulatory, respiratory, and blood systems.

Human Circulatory System

Closed system consists of a four-chambered heart and complex vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries).

Heart Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the body.

Heart Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out to the body.

Septum

Structure that separates the right and left sides of the heart.

AV Valves (Bicuspid, Mitral)

Prevent backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria.

SA Node

Controls the rate of the heartbeat.

Arteries

Vessels that carry blood away from the heart; have thick, elastic walls.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body.

Arterioles

The smallest arteries.

Capillaries

Microscopic vessels with walls one cell thick; connect arterioles with venules.

Veins

Carry blood to the heart; have thinner walls than arteries and contain valves to prevent backflow.

Coronary Circulation

Supplies heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients.

Blood

Liquid tissue composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells; transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells.

Hemoglobin

Respiratory pigment in red blood cells that increases oxygen-carrying capacity.

Leukocytes

White blood cells; involved in fighting infections in the body.

Phagocytosis

Process by which white blood cells engulf microorganisms.

Platelets

Cell fragments that initiate blood clotting.

Thromboplastin

Released by platelets to change prothrombin to thrombin.

Fibrin

Insoluble protein formed from fibrinogen; creates a meshwork over a wound to form a clot.

Agglutinogens

Proteins on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type (A, B, AB, O).

Agglutinins

Proteins in plasma that react with agglutinogens, causing blood cells to clump together.

Rh Factor

Protein found on red blood cells; determines Rh-positive or Rh-negative blood type.

Lungs

The organs of respiration in humans.

Epiglottis

Flap of tissue that covers the glottis, preventing food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Alveoli

Air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of respiratory gases occurs.

Bronchi

The subdivisions of trachea that enter lungs.

External Respiration

Exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood.

Internal Respiration

Exchange of respiratory gases between the blood and the cells.