Anatomy & Physiology 12 - Unit G (The Circulatory System) Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards for Anatomy & Physiology 12 Unit G (The Circulatory System)

Circulatory System

The system that brings nutrients to and takes wastes away from the cells.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Arterioles

Small arteries that carry blood to capillaries

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart.

Venules

Small veins that receive blood from capillaries.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels where nutrient and waste exchange occurs.

Sphincter Muscles

Muscles that control blood flow into capillary beds.

Capillary Bed

Network of capillaries.

Valves

Structures in veins that prevent backflow of blood.

Heart

Muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

Myocardium

Cardiac muscle tissue of the heart.

Pericardium

Double-layered membrane surrounding the heart.

Pericardial Sac

The sac containing the heart and pericardial fluid

Pericardial Fluid

Fluid within the pericardial sac that reduces friction.

Septum

Wall dividing the left and right sides of the heart.

Atrium

Upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.

Ventricles

Lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out.

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves between the atria and ventricles.

Backflow

The backward flow of blood through the heart.

Tricuspid Valve

Atrioventricular valve between the right atrium and right ventricle. Has 3 cusps.

Cusps

Leaflets of the heart valves.

Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve

Atrioventricular valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. Has 2 cusps.

Semilunar Valves

Valves located at the exits of the ventricles.

Chordae Tendineae (CT)

Tendinous cords that support the atrioventricular valves.

Superior/Inferior Venae Cavae

Large veins that bring deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.

Pulmonary Trunk

Large artery that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Pulmonary Arteries/Veins

Vessels that carry blood to and from the lungs.

Heartbeat

The sequence of events in one complete heartbeat.

Diastole/Systole

Relaxation/Contraction phase of the heartbeat, respectively.

Cardiac Cycle

One complete sequence of contraction and relaxation of the heart.

Pulmonary Circuit

Blood flow between the heart and lungs.

Systemic Circuit

Blood flow between the heart and the rest of the body.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body.

Hepatic Portal System

System of blood vessels that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

Hepatic Vein

Vein that carries blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava.

Nodal Tissue

Specialized tissue in the heart that initiates and coordinates heart contractions.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

Pacemaker of the heart, located in the right atrium.

Atrioventricular (AV) Node

Node in the base of the right atrium near the septum.

Purkinje Fibres

Specialized conducting fibers that transmit the electrical signal to the ventricles.

Heart Rate

The number of heartbeats per minute.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brain that regulates heart rate.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions, including heart rate.

Coronary Arteries/Veins

Arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Damage to the heart muscle due to lack of oxygen.

Atherosclerosis

Hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup.

Tunica Interna

Innermost layer of a blood vessel.

Angina

Chest pain due to lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.

Claudication

Pain in the legs due to lack of blood flow.

Stroke (Ischemic/Hemorrhagic)

Brain damage due to interruption of blood supply.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Surgical procedure to bypass blocked coronary arteries.

Thrombus

A stationary blood clot attached to a vessel wall.

Embolus

A dislodged thrombus that travels in the bloodstream.

Embolism

Blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus.

Blood Pressure

The force of blood against the artery walls.

Hypertension/Hypotension

High/Low blood pressure, respectively.

Renin

Hormone released by the kidneys to increase blood pressure.

Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL’s)

Bad cholesterol that contributes to plaque formation.

Vasodilators

Medications that widen blood vessels.

Diuretics

Medications that promote fluid loss to lower blood pressure.

Beta-Blockers

Medications that block the effects of the autonomic nervous system on the heart.

Sphygmomanometer

Instrument used to measure blood pressure.

Lymphatic System

System of vessels and nodes that collect and filter lymph.

Lymph Nodes

Small structures that filter lymph and produce lymphocytes.

Lymph

Fluid in the lymphatic system.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that fight infection.