B13.01 Circulation: Blood and Blood Vessels

Flashcards covering the components of blood, types of blood vessels, and the mechanics of the human double circulatory system based on the lecture notes.

Diffusion Limit

The point beyond a certain size (e.g., $200\,\mu m$) where an organism needs a transport system because the diffusion path becomes too large to move molecules efficiently.

Transport System

A system made up of tubes or vessels that carry materials from one part of an organism to another and make close contact with exchange surface cells.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that transports $CO_2$, digested food molecules, urea, and hormones, while also distributing heat.

Red blood cells

Cells responsible for transporting oxygen; they contain haemoglobin and have a bi-concave shape to provide a large surface area for absorption.

White blood cells

Cells that protect the body by ingesting pathogens, producing substances to kill them, and squeezing through small blood vessels.

Platelets

Components of the blood involved in the process of blood clotting.

Haemoglobin

The substance contained within red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen.

Bi-concave

The specific shape of a red blood cell which increases its surface area for oxygen absorption.

Arteries

Blood vessels that move oxygen-rich (oxygenated) blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood containing waste $CO_2$ back to the heart.

Capillaries

Thin tubes that join arteries to veins and allow for exchange between blood and cells.

Double circulatory system

A system where blood passes through the heart twice on every full circuit of the body, separating oxygenated blood from deoxygenated blood.

Oxygenated blood

Blood that is rich in oxygen.

Deoxygenated blood

Blood that is without oxygen.

Pulmonary circuit

The part of the circulatory system that pumps blood to the lungs.

Systemic circuit

The part of the circulatory system that pumps blood to the body systems, such as the head, limbs, and trunk.