Vascular Diseases and Circulatory System Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to vascular diseases and the circulatory system.

Circulatory System

A complex circuit of vessels that transports nutrients and oxygen and removes metabolic waste products.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits and plaque in the arterial walls leading to narrowed arteries.

Thrombus

A stationary blood clot formed in a vessel or heart chamber that can obstruct blood flow.

Embolus

An accumulation of material, such as a thrombus or other substances, that travels within the bloodstream and can cause blockage.

Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure, often classified as primary (idiopathic) or secondary (due to identifiable causes).

Hypotension

Low blood pressure that can lead to dizziness and fainting, especially when changing posture.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels that facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.

Lymphatic System

A specialized system of channels and nodes that reabsorbs fluid from interstitial spaces and returns it to the venous circulation.

Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis

Modifiable factors include smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes; non-modifiable factors include age, gender, genetics, and ethnicity.

Baroreflex

A reflex that helps maintain blood pressure by adjusting heart rate and vessel diameter in response to changes in arterial pressure.