Anatomy and Physiology Lecture: Cardiovascular System

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the cardiovascular system, particularly blood vessels and hemodynamic principles.

Blood Vessels

Tubular structures that carry blood throughout the body.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Arterioles

Microscopic arteries that determine vascular resistance.

Capillaries

Thin-walled exchange vessels that connect arterioles and venules.

Venules

Microscopic veins that begin the return of blood to the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart.

Tunica Externa

Outermost layer of blood vessel walls composed of collagen and elastic fibers.

Tunica Media

Middle layer of blood vessel walls primarily composed of smooth muscle.

Tunica Interna (Intima)

Innermost layer of blood vessel walls made of endothelium and basement membrane.

Compliance

The ability of arteries to stretch and accommodate pressure from blood.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels due to contraction of smooth muscle.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels due to relaxation of smooth muscle.

Anastomosis

The connection or union of two or more arteries providing alternative routes for blood flow.

Resistance Vessels

Another name for arterioles that influence blood flow resistance.

Capillary Networks

Extensive networks of capillaries throughout tissues allowing nutrient and waste exchange.

Continuous Capillaries

Capillaries that restrict movement of red blood cells and most plasma proteins.

Fenestrated Capillaries

Capillaries that allow for the rapid movement of fluids and small solutes.

Sinusoid Capillaries

Capillaries that permit the passage of larger molecules and blood cells.

Venous Return

The volume of blood flowing back to the heart through the systemic veins.

Skeletal Muscle Pump

Mechanism that helps return blood to the heart through muscle contractions.

Blood Pressure (BP)

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

Systolic BP

The pressure in the arteries during ventricular contraction.

Diastolic BP

The pressure in the arteries during ventricular relaxation.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The average pressure in a person's arteries during one cardiac cycle.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)

The resistance to blood flow within the systemic circulation.

Hemodynamics

The study of blood flow and its properties within the cardiovascular system.