mass transport in animas

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to haemoglobin, oxygen transport, the circulatory system, and cardiovascular diseases.

Haemoglobin

A group of protein molecules with a quaternary structure that is efficient at loading oxygen in the lungs and unloading it in tissues.

Loading

The process by which haemoglobin binds with oxygen, taking place in the lungs.

Unloading

The release of oxygen from haemoglobin, occurring in the tissues.

Oxygen dissociation curve

A graph showing the relationship between the saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen and the partial pressure of oxygen.

Positive cooperativity

A phenomenon where the binding of one oxygen molecule to haemoglobin increases the likelihood of subsequent oxygen molecules binding.

Partial Pressure

A measure of the concentration of a gas in a mixture, which influences the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen.

Bohr Shift

A phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide concentration and decreased pH enhance the release of oxygen from haemoglobin.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that are biconcave, providing a large surface area for oxygen diffusion.

Affinity for Oxygen

The tendency of haemoglobin to bind with oxygen, which varies with environmental conditions such as partial pressures.

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves in the heart that prevent backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria.

Semilunar Valves

Valves located in the aorta and pulmonary artery that prevent backflow into the ventricles.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as stroke volume times heart rate.

Atheroma

Fibrous plaques formed in arteries that narrow the lumen and restrict blood flow.

Myocardial Infarction

Commonly known as a heart attack, it occurs when blood supply to the heart muscle is blocked.

Risk Factor

Anything that increases the likelihood of developing a disease.

Hypertension

High blood pressure which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.

Carbon Dioxide

A gas produced by cells during metabolism that affects haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Tissue Fluid

A watery liquid that surrounds cells, supplying them with nutrients and oxygen while collecting waste products.