Cardiovascular System Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering the functions, composition, and vessel types of the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure mechanisms.

Cardiovascular system

A system responsible for transport of substances ($O_2$ and nutrients), waste removal ($CO_2$ to lungs, other waste to excretory organs), body defense via white blood cells, blood clotting, hormone transport, and maintenance of pH, fluids, and electrolytes.

Red blood cells

Blood cells that transport $O_2$ from the lungs to the cells and carry $CO_2$ back to the lungs.

White blood cells

Cells that protect the organism against bacteria, viruses, and diseases.

Platelets (thrombocytes)

Blood components that enable blood clotting and the stoppage of bleeding.

Blood plasma

The liquid part of the blood consisting of $90\%$ water, proteins, mineral salts, nutrients, hormones, vitamins, and waste products.

Arteries

Vessels with thick, muscular walls and a narrow lumen that carry bright red, oxygen-rich blood away from the heart under high blood pressure; they lack valves.

Veins

Vessels with thinner walls, a wider lumen, and valves that carry dark red blood back toward the heart under low blood pressure.

Capillaries

Vessels with very thin walls and a very narrow lumen where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products occurs under low blood pressure.

Hydrostatic pressure

Pressure created by blood pressing against capillary walls that pushes water and dissolved substances from capillaries into tissues; it is highest at the arterial end of the capillary.

Osmotic pressure

Pressure caused by proteins in the blood plasma that pulls water from tissues back into capillaries; it prevails at the venous end of the capillary.