Blood Vessels and Circulation

These flashcards cover the key concepts and information about blood vessels, their functions, types, structure, and circulatory pathways discussed in the lecture.

What is the primary function of arteries in the circulatory system?

To transport blood away from the heart.

What type of blood do the aorta and pulmonary artery transport?

The aorta transports oxygenated blood, while the pulmonary artery transports deoxygenated blood.

What are arterioles?

Small blood vessels that transfer blood from arteries to capillaries.

What is the role of capillaries in the circulatory system?

Capillaries allow for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.

How do venules function in the blood circulation?

Venules return blood from capillaries to veins.

What distinguishes veins from arteries according to their structure?

Veins have thinner walls compared to the thick walls of arteries and sometimes have valves.

What are the three layers of blood vessels?

Tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa.

Why do veins have more valves in the lower limbs than in the upper limbs?

To prevent backflow of blood against gravity in the legs.

What circulatory pathway occurs between the heart and lungs?

Pulmonary circulation.

What circulatory pathway occurs between the heart and the rest of the body?

Systemic circulation.

What is the hepatic portal circulation responsible for?

It transports blood from the gastrointestinal organs to the liver.

What are the two significant bypasses in fetal circulation?

Foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus.

What happens to the foramen ovale after birth?

It closes and becomes the fossa ovalis.

What condition arises when the ductus arteriosus remains open after birth?

Patent ductus arteriosus.

What is the function of the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls?

To regulate the diameter of the vessel and control blood pressure and perfusion.

How do arteries differ from capillaries in terms of gas and nutrient exchange?

Arteries do not allow gas or nutrient exchange; that occurs in capillaries.

What is tissue perfusion?

The transfer of blood into tissues.