Cardiovascular System - Structure and Function of Blood Vessels

Flashcards covering the structure and function of blood vessels, atherosclerosis, arterioles, capillaries, the Starling equation, and veins and venules.

Tunica adventitia/externa

Connective tissue layer of blood vessels containing collagen and elastin.

Tunica media

Smooth muscle layer of blood vessels containing elastin.

Tunica intima

Endothelial cell layer of blood vessels.

Elasticity (of arteries)

The ability of arteries to absorb and smooth pressure pulses during the cardiac cycle.

Contractility (of arteries)

The ability of arteries to change diameter of blood vessel and blood flow.

Elastic Artery

Conducting vessels, examples include the aorta and pulmonary artery.

Muscular Artery

Distribution vessels, examples include the femoral artery.

Atherosclerosis

Condition where deposits of lipid, calcium, and collagen occur with age, making blood vessels more rigid.

Arterial stiffness

Rigidity of the blood vessel.

Arterioles

Resistance vessels important for control of total peripheral resistance (TPR) and arterial BP.

Vasoconstriction

The constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Vasodilatation

The dilatation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.

Diffusion

Net movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Capillary hydrostatic pressure (Pc)

The pressure exerted by fluid on the capillary walls.

Capillary colloid osmotic pressure (πc)

The pressure exerted by proteins in the capillary, drawing water in.

Interstitial hydrostatic pressure (Pi)

The pressure exerted by fluid in the interstitial space.

Interstitial colloid osmotic pressure (πi)

The pressure exerted by proteins in the interstitial space, drawing water out.

Oedema

Fluid accumulation in interstitial fluid.

Pulmonary oedema

Fluid accumulation in the pulmonary interstitium and air spaces.

Venous return (VR)

The rate of blood flow back to the heart.

Capacitance vessels

Veins and venules containing a large percentage of total blood volume.