Human Physiology: Blood & Circulation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to human physiology, particularly blood and circulation, which will help in exam preparation.

Blood

A special type of fluid connective tissue composed of plasma and blood cells that is circulated through the heart and closed blood vessels throughout the body.

Plasma

The light yellow, slightly alkaline liquid part of blood that carries nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.

Erythropoiesis

The process of producing red blood cells, which occurs in the bone marrow after birth.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.

Lymph

A clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, consisting mostly of lymphocytes.

Coagulation

The process by which blood clots form, stopping bleeding.

Heart

The muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body, consisting of chambers and valves.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood.

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and fills with blood.

Baroreceptor

Sensory nerve endings located in blood vessel walls that respond to changes in blood pressure.

Systemic Circulation

The circulation of oxygenated blood from the left ventricle through the body and back to the right atrium.

Pulmonary Circulation

The passage of deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and back to the left atrium.

Coronary Circulation

The flow of blood to and from the tissues of the heart itself.

Angina

A type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

A medical emergency in which blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.

Open Heart Surgery

A surgical procedure where the chest is opened to perform operations on the heart.

Angioplasty

A minimally invasive procedure used to open clogged heart arteries.

Pacemaker

A device that uses electrical impulses to regulate the heartbeat.

Heart Failure

A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Atherosclerosis

A condition where the arteries become thickened and narrowed due to plaque buildup.

Hypertension

High blood pressure that can lead to serious health complications.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure that can lead to dizziness or fainting.