Vascular System Overview

Flashcards covering key terms related to the vascular system and heart anatomy.

Hemocytoblasts

Stem cells that give rise to all formed elements of blood.

Lymphoid Stem Cells

Stem cells that specialize in the production of lymphocytes.

Myeloid Stem Cells

Stem cells that produce other types of white blood cells, including erythrocytes.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in the immune response.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.

Megakaryocytes

Large cells in bone marrow that produce platelets.

Plasma

The fluid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, and proteins.

Hemostasis

The process of blood clotting to prevent blood loss.

Vascular Spasm

The immediate response to injury that reduces blood flow by constricting blood vessels.

Fibrinogen

A soluble plasma protein that is converted into fibrin during blood clotting.

Agranulocytes

A type of leukocyte that lacks granules in its cytoplasm.

Granulocytes

A type of leukocyte that contains granules in its cytoplasm.

Intercalated Discs

Specialized connections between cardiac muscle cells that facilitate synchrony in heart contractions.

SA Node

Sinoatrial node; the primary pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium.

AV Node

Atrioventricular node; it receives signals from the SA node and directs them to the ventricles.

Myocardium

The muscular middle layer of the heart wall responsible for contraction.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart lining, composed of simple squamous epithelium.

Pericardial Cavity

The cavity surrounding the heart that contains pericardial fluid to reduce friction.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events in a single heartbeat, including contraction and relaxation of the heart.