College Biology 106 - Circulatory & Respiratory Systems Study Guide

These flashcards cover key terminology, definitions, and concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory and respiratory systems.

Major functions of the circulatory system

Transporting nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Single circulation

A type of circulatory system where blood passes through the heart once for each circuit of the body.

Double circulation

A type of circulatory system where blood passes through the heart twice for each circuit of the body.

Pulmonary circulation

The part of the circulatory system responsible for transporting blood between the heart and the lungs.

Systemic circulation

The part of the circulatory system that carries blood between the heart and the rest of the body.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscles contract and pump blood.

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscles relax and chambers fill with blood.

Cardiac cycle

The complete sequence of events in the heart from the beginning of one heartbeat to the beginning of the next.

Blood pressure

The force exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels.

Normal blood pressure range

Typically around 120/80 mmHg, where 120 is systolic pressure and 80 is diastolic pressure.

SA node

The sinoatrial node, known as the heart's natural pacemaker, responsible for initiating the electrical impulses in the heart.

AV node

The atrioventricular node, which receives signals from the SA node and helps coordinate the timing of heart contractions.

EKG (ECG)

An electrocardiogram that records the electrical activity of the heart.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs between blood and tissues.

Open circulatory system

A circulatory system where blood is not always contained within blood vessels, but rather flows freely in body cavities.

Closed circulatory system

A circulatory system where blood is contained within blood vessels, allowing for more efficient transport.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in protecting the body against infection.

Thrombocytes

Platelets involved in blood clotting.

Five types of leukocytes

Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Nasal cavity functions

Warms, moistens, and filters air before it enters the lungs.

Pharynx location and function

Located behind the nose and mouth; serves as a passage for air, food, and drink.

Larynx location, structure, and function

Located below the pharynx, made of cartilage, and houses the vocal cords.

Epiglottis function

Covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway.

Trachea structure and function

A tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi; lined with ciliated epithelium that traps debris.

Function of bronchi and bronchioles

Air passages that lead from the trachea to the lungs, branching into smaller passages.

Alveoli structure and function

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

How alveoli stay clean

They are lined with surfactant and can recruit immune cells to clear debris.

Diaphragm

A muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and plays a critical role in breathing.

Heme group vs. Globin

Heme is the iron-containing compound that binds oxygen, while globin is the protein that forms the structure of hemoglobin.

Factors affecting hemoglobin oxygen affinity

pH, temperature, and carbon dioxide concentration can change hemoglobin's ability to bind oxygen.

Gas exchange mechanism

Diffusion allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to move between the alveoli and blood.

Importance of moist respiratory surfaces

Facilitates efficient diffusion of gases.

Aquatic vs. terrestrial gas exchange

Aquatic organisms use gills, while terrestrial organisms use lungs for gas exchange.

Respiratory surfaces types

Variety of surfaces such as gills, lungs, tracheae, and skin in different organisms.