Transport, Circulatory System, and Communication – Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering the main terms from the notes on transport, blood composition, and the circulatory system.

Transport systems

Networks that move substances around the body, ensuring cells have access to internal and external environments; include the blood, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.

Blood

The transport medium of the circulatory system, consisting of plasma and suspended blood cells.

Plasma

The sticky, water-rich fluid of blood containing dissolved nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and wastes.

Erythrocytes (red blood cells)

Red blood cells; primarily transport oxygen and, to a lesser extent, carbon dioxide between lungs and body cells.

Leukocytes (white blood cells)

White blood cells; protect the body against microbes and other harmful substances; several types with different functions.

Thrombocytes (platelets)

Platelets; tiny cell fragments essential for blood clotting.

Circulatory system

Heart and a network of blood vessels that transport blood throughout the body.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that return blood to the heart.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels with walls of a single cell layer; site of exchange between blood and body tissues; link arteries and veins.

Nervous system

Main system for rapid internal and external communication; coordinates rapid responses and helps regulate body functions.

Endocrine system

Glands and tissues that secrete hormones to regulate body functions, often with longer-lasting effects.

Lymphatic system

Network that returns excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream and contributes to immune defense.

Internal communication

Communication within the body via the nervous and endocrine systems to maintain homeostasis.

External communication

Communication with the external environment via the special senses and verbal/non-verbal activities, dependent on the nervous system.

Special senses

The senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and balance.

Alimentary canal

Digestive tract through which nutrients are absorbed from food.

Nutrients

Substances absorbed from the alimentary canal that cells use for energy, growth, and maintenance.