Microcirculation and Blood Flow

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to microcirculation and blood flow as discussed in the lecture.

Microcirculation

The circulation of blood in the smallest blood vessels, including capillaries, arterioles, and venules.

Starling Equilibrium

The balance between hydrostatic pressure and osmotic pressure in the capillaries that governs fluid exchange.

Colloidal osmotic pressure

The osmotic pressure exerted by proteins in the blood plasma that draws fluid into the capillaries.

Hyperaemia

An increase in blood flow to a tissue.

Active hyperaemia

An increase in blood flow resulting from increased metabolic activity in a tissue.

Reactive hyperaemia

An increase in blood flow following a period of ischemia.

Oedema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, often linked to increased filtration.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels.

Vaso-tone

The tone of blood vessels which is regulated by various factors influencing their constriction and dilation.

Lymphatic system

A network of tissues and organs that help maintain fluid balance, filter out pathogens, and transport lymph.

Fluid (Hydrostatic) pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest; in capillaries, it pushes blood components out into the interstitial space.

Pinocytosis

The process by which cells engulf liquids and small particles by forming vesicles.