Blood Vessels and Lung Anatomy

Flashcards covering key concepts related to blood vessels, capillaries, and lung anatomy.

The three layers of arteries are __, __, and __.

tunica intima, tunica media, tunica externa

Muscular arteries have a greater percentage of __ in their walls compared to elastic arteries.

smooth muscle

Arterioles lead directly into __, which are the smallest blood vessels where exchange occurs.

capillary beds

Capillaries allow for the exchange of and between blood and tissues.

oxygen; nutrients

The thin walls of capillaries are composed of __, providing a barrier for diffusion.

simple squamous epithelial tissue

Intercellular clefts in capillaries allow for __ to move in and out of the bloodstream.

molecules and cells

During inflammation, intercellular clefts will __ to allow white blood cells to exit the bloodstream.

open up

The __ is a structure that surrounds and protects the lungs, similar to how the pericardium protects the heart.

pleura

Alveoli are tiny air sacs where and exchange occurs.

oxygen; carbon dioxide

Surfactant is secreted by __ cells to reduce surface tension in the alveoli.

type two alveolar

Fluid buildup in the alveoli, often caused by infection, can result in conditions such as and .

pneumonia; ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)

The valves in veins prevent __ of blood and help maintain unidirectional flow towards the heart.

backflow

blood flows away from the heart while blood flows towards the heart.

Arterial; venous

The tunica media of veins is __ than that of arteries, making veins more flexible.

thinner

White blood cells leak from capillaries into tissues during __, which is a response to infection.

inflammation