Chapter 26

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the circulatory system as outlined in the lecture notes.

Circulatory System

A system essential for life, including the heart, blood, arteries, veins, and capillaries, responsible for oxygen flow, blood circulation, nutrient transport, waste removal, and hormone movement.

Erythrocytes

Also known as red blood cells (RBCs), these cells are the most abundant in blood and transport oxygen throughout the body.

Hematology

The study of blood.

Thrombocytes

Also known as platelets, they aid in blood clotting and vessel constriction.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Myocardium

The thick cardiac muscle wall of the heart.

Pericardium

The protective sac that lines the outside of the heart.

Valves

Structures within the heart that keep blood flowing in one direction.

Systole

The contraction phase of the cardiac cycle, characterized by the top number in a blood pressure reading.

Diastole

The relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle, characterized by the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A test that traces the electrical activity of the heart.

Arrhythmia

A change in the heart's rhythm, rate, or conduction.

Hypovolemic Shock

A type of shock caused by insufficient blood volume due to internal or external blood loss.

Septic Shock

Shock that occurs when a severe infection causes blood vessels to dilate and reduces blood output.

Capillaries

The tiniest blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste occurs.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, which carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels that increases blood pressure during heart contraction.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels that decreases blood pressure during heart relaxation.

Pulmonary Circulation

The part of the circulatory system responsible for carrying oxygen-poor blood to the lungs and returning oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Common Disorders

Conditions affecting the circulatory system including heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and shock.