Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structures, blood flow pathways, and gas exchange mechanisms of the circulatory and respiratory systems, as well as their interconnectedness.

Vena Cava

A large vein that carries blood back to the heart.

Aorta

The main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Right Atrium

The heart chamber that receives deoxygenated blood returning from the body.

Right Ventricle

The heart chamber that pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Left Atrium

The heart chamber that receives oxygenated blood returning from the lungs.

Left Ventricle

The heart chamber that pumps oxygenated blood out to the body.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood to the heart.

Capillaries

Microscopic blood vessels found throughout the body that connect arteries and veins; they allow oxygen and nutrients to move into body cells while carbon dioxide and waste move into the blood.

Coronary Arteries Blockage

A condition where if the coronary arteries get blocked, the heart cannot get oxygen and nutrients.

Path of Blood Through the Heart

The sequence of blood flow: right atrium, right ventricle, lungs, left atrium, left ventricle, and then to the whole body.

Right Side of the Heart

The side of the heart that pumps low-oxygen (deoxygenated) blood.

Left Side of the Heart

The side of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood.

Trachea

The airway tube that carries air in and out of the lungs.

Bronchi

The main airway passages that lead air directly to the lungs.

Bronchioles

Smaller branching tubes within the lungs that deliver oxygen to the alveoli.

Alveoli (Aveoli)

Structures in the lungs where gases are exchanged in the blood with capillaries, moving oxygen into the body and carbon dioxide out of the body.

Lungs

Organs of the respiratory system that bring oxygen to the bloodstream, add oxygen, and remove carbon dioxide.

Circulatory and Respiratory System Interconnectedness

The functional relationship where the respiratory system brings oxygen to the body, and the circulatory system carries that oxygen to the cells.

Digestive and Circulatory System Interconnectedness

The functional relationship where the digestive system provides glucose so the circulatory system can carry glucose to the cells.