Lab 9 - Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular Physiology Overview

Key Components of the Cardiovascular System

• Heart: A muscular pump driving blood flow

• Blood Vessels: Conduits for blood circulation

• Blood: Liquid tissue circulating materials throughout the body [1]

Heart Rate Dynamics

• Defined as number of heartbeats per minute

• Ranges classified as:

- Bradycardic: <60 bpm

- Normal: 60-100 bpm

- Tachycardic: >100 bpm

• Regulated by autonomic nervous system

- Sympathetic: Increases heart rate

- Parasympathetic: Decreases heart rate [2]

Blood Pressure Fundamentals

• Systolic Pressure: Maximum force in blood vessels

• Diastolic Pressure: Minimum force in blood vessels

• Measured through:

- Auscultation (stethoscope)

- Oscillometry (electronic manometer) [3][4]

Baroreceptor Reflex

• Located in aortic arch and carotid sinus

• Rapidly regulates blood pressure

• Responds to postural changes

• Helps prevent syncope (loss of consciousness) [5][6]

Components of the Cardiovascular System:

• The Heart:

- A muscular pump that drives blood flow through vessels

- Responsible for circulating blood throughout the body [1]

• The Vessels:

- Conduits through which blood flows

- Transport blood to and from different parts of the body [1]

• Blood:

- A liquid tissue that circulates around the body

- Carries materials to and from cells

- Essential for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products [1]