Circulatory System in Humans

Flashcards about the circulatory system in humans.

Made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Blood

Flattened, biconcave, disc shaped cells that are red in colour due to haemoglobin and carry oxygen around the body.

Red Blood Cells

Pigment in red blood cells that joins with oxygen to transport it around the body.

Haemoglobin

Condition caused by a shortage of iron, leading to insufficient red blood cells.

Anaemia

Defend the body against pathogens; bigger than red blood cells and have a nucleus.

White blood cells

Microbes that cause disease.

Pathogens

Clot the blood to prevent bleeding and blood loss when the skin is cut.

Platelets

Liquid part of blood, pale yellow in colour, and 90% water, which carries dissolved substances.

Plasma

A system where blood passes through the heart twice before completing one whole circuit of the body.

Double Circulatory System

Circulation of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.

Pulmonary Circulation

Circulation of blood from the heart to the body and then back to the heart.

Systemic Circulation

Muscle of the heart.

Cardiac muscle

Blood vessels on the outside of the heart that supply oxygen and glucose to the heart muscle.

Coronary arteries

Occurs when a blood clot blocks a coronary artery, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen.

Heart attack

Carries blood from the body to the right atrium.

Vena Cava

Carries blood from the lungs to the left atrium.

Pulmonary Vein

Carries blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Pulmonary Artery

Carries blood from the left ventricle to the body.

Aorta

Prevent backflow of blood from the arteries into the ventricles when they relax.

Semi-lunar Valves

Prevent backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium when it contracts.

Right Atrio-Ventricular Valve (Tricuspid)

Prevent backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium when it contracts.

Left Atrio-Ventricular Valve (Bicuspid)

Carry blood under pressure away from the heart; have thick walls.

Arteries

Carry blood under low pressure back to the heart; have thin walls.

Veins

Smallest blood vessels, allowing diffusion of substances between blood and body cells.

Capillaries

Includes all the diseases of the heart and the circulatory system.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Condition where arteries become clogged with fatty substances called plaques, or atheroma.

Atherosclerosis