Circulation and Cardiovascular System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the circulatory and cardiovascular systems.

Circulation

The movement of blood through the heart and vessels to supply oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide.

Open Circulatory System

A circulatory system where the circulatory fluid bathes the organs directly and is not confined to vessels.

Closed Circulatory System

A circulatory system in which blood circulates exclusively within blood vessels.

Cardiovascular System

The complex system in vertebrates consisting of the heart and blood vessels.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other substances occurs.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle where the heart contracts and pumps blood.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle where the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves between atria and ventricles that prevent backflow during heart contraction.

Semilunar Valves

Valves that control blood flow from the ventricles into the aorta and pulmonary artery.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

Endothelium

A smooth layer lining the blood vessels that minimizes resistance and facilitates blood flow.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that function in the immune response and defense against pathogens.

Platelets

Cellular fragments that play a key role in blood clotting.

Hemoglobin

The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen.

Lymphatic System

The system responsible for returning excess fluid to the bloodstream and filtering lymph.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Atherosclerosis

A cardiovascular disease where plaque builds up in the arteries, causing hardening and blockage.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Thrombus

A blood clot formed within a blood vessel.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events during one heartbeat, including systole and diastole.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.

Oxygen-rich Blood

Blood that has absorbed oxygen from the lungs and is distributed to body tissues.

Oxygen-poor Blood

Blood that has delivered oxygen to the body tissues and is returning to the heart.