Blood, Diseases, Immunity, and Circulatory System Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering blood components, disease transmission, immunity, and the circulatory system.

What is Plasma?

Liquid component of blood that transports carbon dioxide, soluble products of digestion, waste, hormones, and heat.

What is the function of Red Blood Cells (RBCs)?

Transports oxygen from the lungs to organs and tissues; contains haemoglobin.

What are the two main forms of White Blood Cells and their functions?

Phagocytes engulf microbes, and lymphocytes produce antibodies to attack microbes.

What are Platelets?

Fragments of cells used in blood clotting to close wounds and prevent blood loss and entry of pathogens.

What is a Pathogen?

Disease-causing organism.

What are examples of mechanical and chemical barriers in the body's defenses?

Skin, hairs in the nose, mucus, and stomach acid.

What is the function of Phagocytes?

Engulf microbes through phagocytosis.

What is the role of Lymphocytes in immunity?

Produce antitoxins (antibodies) to neutralize harmful toxins produced by micro-organisms.

What are Antigens?

Specific chemicals on pathogens that are detected by white blood cells.

What is the function of Antibodies?

Latch onto antigens and destroy pathogens.

What is Artificial Immunity (Vaccination)?

Acquiring immunity to a disease by injecting a weakened or dead antigen, prompting the body to produce antibodies.

What is the Circulatory System?

A system of blood vessels with a pump and valves to ensure a one-way flow of blood.

What is Double Circulation in Mammals?

For every one circuit of the body, the blood passes through the heart twice.

What are the two sides of the Heart and what separates them?

Right and Left, separated by the septum to prevent mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

What happens during Ventricular Diastole (relaxation)?

The ventricular muscle relaxes, and blood flows into the left and right atria.

What occurs during Ventricular Systole (contraction)?

The ventricular muscle contracts, and blood is forced through the semi-lunar valves into the arteries.

Why do ventricles have thicker muscle walls than atria?

Thicker muscle walls to generate higher pressure for pumping blood out of the heart.

What are the names and function of the valves that separate the atria from the ventricles?

Tricuspid on the right and Bicuspid on the left, preventing blood from flowing back into the atria.

What is the main function of all valves in the heart?

Prevent blood from flowing backwards.

What are the causes of Coronary Heart Disease?

Fatty deposits (plaques) block the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the cardiac muscle.

What are the possible risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease?

Eating more saturated fat, stress, smoking, genetics, age, and gender.

What are the characteristics of Arteries?

Thick elastic and muscular layers to cope with high blood pressure; carry blood away from the heart.

What are the characteristics of Veins?

Thinner elastic and muscular layers, large lumen, and valves; carry blood towards the heart.

What are the characteristics of Capillaries?

Narrow, very thin-walled vessels for exchange of substances between the blood and surrounding tissues.