The Circulatory System Lecture Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, function, and common pathologies of the human circulatory system based on lecture notes.

Circulatory system

An internal road network that links all parts of the body via a system of arteries, veins, arterioles, venules, and capillaries to supply food, oxygen, and hormones while removing waste.

Pericardium

One of the three layers of muscle that makes up the heart.

Myocardium

The muscle layer of the heart that receives blood rich in oxygen and nutrients through coronary circulation.

Endocardium

One of the three muscle layers of the heart.

Mediastinum

The location between the lungs where the heart is situated.

Apex

The lower edge of the heart that lies on the diaphragm.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart (right and left) that receive blood from the body or lungs.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart (right and left) that discharge blood to the body or lungs.

Systole

The phase where the heart is at work, contracting and pushing blood out of the left ventricle.

Diastole

The phase when the heart relaxes or rests and the chambers fill with blood.

Atrioventricular valves

The valves within the heart, specifically the tricuspid and mitral valves, that maintain one-way flow and prevent backflow into the chambers.

Semilunar valves

The pulmonary and aortic valves of the heart.

Pulmonary artery

The vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for gaseous exchange involving $CO_2$ and $O_2$.

Pulmonary veins

The vessels that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.

Aorta

The large artery through which oxygenated blood is pumped from the left ventricle to the organs and tissues of the systemic circuit.

Pulmonary circulation

The circuit that carries blood to and from the lungs for gas exchange, moving from the right ventricle to the left atrium.

Systemic circulation

The circuit that carries blood throughout the body, starting from the left ventricle and returning to the right atrium via the venae cavae.

Coronary circulation

The heart's own blood supply where oxygen-rich blood flows through the right and left coronary arteries to the myocardium.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

A heart attack caused by the blockage of blood flow through the coronary arteries, which results in tissue death.

Arteries

Vessels that distribute nutrients and gases while carrying blood under high pressure; they carry oxygenated blood except for the pulmonary artery.

Capillaries

Known as exchange vessels, these allow for the movement of nutrients, wastes, and fluids between the blood and tissues.

Veins

Vessels that collect deoxygenated blood (except the pulmonary vein) and return it to the heart, featuring valves to prevent backflow.

Blood pressure (BP)

A measure of the force exerted on the walls of arteries as blood is pumped from the heart; highest in arteries and lowest in veins, with a normal average of $120/80$.

Hypertension (HTN)

High blood pressure often caused by kidney disease, adrenal tumors, pregnancy, or atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis

The hardening and narrowing of blood vessels.

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

A condition where vessels in the coronary arteries narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart and causing angina pectoris.

Angina pectoris

Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort associated with reduced blood flow in coronary artery disease.

Nitroglycerin

A medication that relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries, often administered as a tablet, patch, or spray.

Congestive heart failure (CHF)

Condition where the heart muscle fails to pump effectively due to damage, leading to symptoms like fatigue, swelling of feet, and increased urination at night.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)

A condition caused by fatty deposits in blood vessels that harden, resulting in cool extremities, blue nail beds, and leg ulcers.

Anti-embolic stockings

Elastic stockings used to help prevent swelling and blood clots while aiding circulation in patients with PVD or CHF.