Circulatory System Flashcards
1
Q
What is the appearance of blood?
A
Blood is a red, opaque fluid that appears slightly thicker than water.
2
Q
What causes blood’s bright red color when oxygen-rich?
A
Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
3
Q
What are the two primary components of blood?
A
- Plasma (55%)
- Cells and Cell Fragments (45%)
4
Q
What type of circulatory system does blood flow through?
A
A closed circulatory system.
5
Q
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
A
Transport of oxygen from the lungs to tissues and removal of carbon dioxide.
6
Q
What percentage of blood volume do red blood cells comprise?
A
About 40-45%.
7
Q
What is the function of plasma in blood?
A
Transport medium for cells, nutrients, hormones, waste products, and proteins.
8
Q
What is the composition of plasma?
A
- Water (90%)
- Plasma Proteins (7-8%)
- Electrolytes
- Nutrients
- Gases
- Waste Products
9
Q
What are the major plasma proteins and their functions?
A
- Albumin – Regulates osmotic pressure
- Globulins – Immune defense and transport
- Fibrinogen – Clotting protein
10
Q
What role do electrolytes play in plasma?
A
Help maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
11
Q
What is the primary energy source for cells transported by plasma?
A
Glucose.
12
Q
What is the pH range maintained by blood?
A
Around 7.35-7.45.
13
Q
What is erythropoiesis?
A
The process of red blood cell production.
14
Q
What regulates the production of red blood cells?
A
The hormone erythropoietin (EPO).
15
Q
What is the lifespan of red blood cells?
A
About 120 days.
16
Q
What are the major types of white blood cells?
A
- Neutrophils
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
17
Q
What is the main function of white blood cells?
A
Defend the body against infections and foreign invaders.
18
Q
What is the significance of blood type compatibility?
A
Essential for safe blood transfusions.
19
Q
Fill in the blank: Blood is a _______ tissue.
A
connective
20
Q
True or False: Red blood cells contain a nucleus.
A
False.
21
Q
What are the components of the immune defense function of blood?
A
- White blood cells
- Antibodies
- Complement proteins
22
Q
What is the role of platelets in blood?
A
Initiate blood clotting (hemostasis) to prevent excessive bleeding.
23
Q
What happens to old red blood cells?
A
They are broken down by the spleen and liver.
24
Q
What are the symptoms of anemia?
A
Low RBC count or hemoglobin.
25
What is the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?
Binds oxygen for transport.
26
What happens during plasma transfusions?
Used to treat burn victims, shock patients, and those with clotting disorders.
27
What are the types of anemia?
* Iron-Deficiency Anemia
* Sickle Cell Anemia
* Pernicious Anemia
* Aplastic Anemia
28
What is the Rh factor?
A classification that further categorizes blood type as positive or negative.
29
What does the term 'diapedesis' refer to?
The ability of white blood cells to squeeze through capillary walls.
30
What is the primary role of neutrophils?
Engulf and destroy bacteria and fungi through phagocytosis.
31
What is the role of plasma-derived therapies?
Provide treatments such as immunoglobulin therapy and clotting factor replacement.
32
What are the three ways carbon dioxide is transported in blood?
* Dissolved in plasma (7%)
* Bound to hemoglobin (23%)
* Converted into bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) (70%)
33
What are the two main classifications of white blood cells (WBCs)?
Granulocytes and Agranulocytes
## Footnote
Granulocytes contain granules, while Agranulocytes lack granules.
34
What percentage of WBCs do neutrophils constitute?
50-70%
## Footnote
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell.
35
What are the main functions of neutrophils?
* Engulf and destroy bacteria and fungi through phagocytosis
* Release enzymes that kill pathogens
* Form pus at infection sites
## Footnote
Pus consists of dead neutrophils and bacteria.
36
What is the lifespan of neutrophils?
Hours to days
37
What roles do T cells, B cells, and Natural Killer (NK) cells play in the immune system?
* T cells – Attack infected and cancer cells
* B cells – Produce antibodies
* NK cells – Destroy virus-infected and cancerous cells
38
What is the lifespan of lymphocytes?
Weeks to years
39
What is the structure of monocytes?
Kidney-shaped nucleus, largest WBC
40
What are the functions of monocytes?
* Transform into macrophages to engulf large pathogens
* Present antigens to T cells
41
What percentage of WBCs do eosinophils constitute?
2-4%
42
What are the main functions of eosinophils?
* Combat parasitic infections
* Involved in allergic reactions
* Modulate inflammation
43
What is the structure of basophils?
Irregular nucleus, large dark granules
44
What functions do basophils serve?
* Release histamine and heparin
* Mediate asthma and anaphylactic reactions
45
What is leukocytosis?
High WBC count
46
What are some causes of leukopenia?
* Viral infections
* Chemotherapy
* Autoimmune diseases
47
What is leukemia?
Cancer of WBCs characterized by abnormal WBC overproduction
48
What is the role of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) in WBC production?
They stimulate WBC production
49
Where are platelets produced?
In the bone marrow by megakaryocytes
50
What is the main function of platelets?
Blood clotting (coagulation)
51
What do alpha granules in platelets contain?
* Fibrinogen
* Clotting factors
* Growth factors
52
What is thrombocytopenia?
Low platelet count
53
What are the main steps in the blood clotting process?
* Vasoconstriction
* Platelet plug formation
* Blood clot formation
* Clot retraction and repair
* Clot dissolution
54
What is the lifespan of platelets?
7-10 days
55
What hormone regulates platelet production?
Thrombopoietin (TPO)
56
What is the structure of the heart?
* Four chambers: Right atrium, Left atrium, Right ventricle, Left ventricle
* Three layers: Endocardium, Myocardium, Epicardium
57
What is the function of the right atrium?
Receives deoxygenated blood from the body
58
What prevents backflow of blood in the heart?
Heart valves
59
What are the two types of heart valves?
* Atrioventricular (AV) valves
* Semilunar valves
60
Describe the blood flow through the heart.
* Deoxygenated blood enters right atrium
* Flows to right ventricle
* Pumped to lungs via pulmonary artery
* Oxygenated blood returns to left atrium via pulmonary veins
* Flows to left ventricle
* Pumped to body via aorta
61
What are the three main types of blood vessels?
* Arteries
* Veins
* Capillaries
62
What is the primary function of arteries?
Transport oxygenated blood from the heart to various parts of the body.
63
What is the exception to the function of arteries?
Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.
64
What are the three layers of artery walls?
* Tunica Intima
* Tunica Media
* Tunica Externa
65
What type of arteries are large and contain a high proportion of elastic fibers?
Elastic Arteries
66
What type of arteries are medium-sized and have more smooth muscle?
Muscular Arteries
67
What are the smallest arteries that regulate blood flow into capillary networks?
Arterioles
68
What is the primary function of capillaries?
Allow for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.
69
What distinguishes continuous capillaries?
They have tight junctions that limit what passes through.
70
What are fenestrated capillaries characterized by?
Small pores that allow faster exchange.
71
What type of capillaries have large gaps for larger molecules?
Sinusoidal Capillaries
72
What is the primary function of veins?
Return deoxygenated blood to the heart.
73
How do veins differ from arteries in terms of pressure?
Veins operate under low pressure.
74
What are superficial veins?
Veins that are closer to the surface and visible under the skin.
75
What is the smallest type of vein that collects blood from capillaries?
Venules
76
What is the innermost layer of blood vessel walls called?
Tunica Intima
77
What is the purpose of the tunica media?
Controls vasoconstriction and vasodilation to regulate blood pressure and flow.
78
What is the outer layer of blood vessel walls known as?
Tunica Externa
79
What is hypertension?
High blood pressure caused by constricted arteries.
80
What is atherosclerosis?
Plaque buildup inside arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow.
81
What condition occurs when vein valves weaken, causing blood to pool?
Varicose Veins
82
What is an aneurysm?
A weakened artery wall that balloons out, increasing the risk of rupture.
83
List four essential functions of blood vessels.
* Transporting blood to and from the heart
* Delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues
* Removing waste products from cells
* Regulating blood pressure
84
What is the primary role of the heart in the circulatory system?
Pumps blood through the vessels.
85
What does the circulatory system transport for immune defense?
White blood cells and platelets.
86
What occurs during vasodilation?
Blood vessels expand to allow heat to escape.
87
What is the largest artery in the body?
The aorta
88
Fill in the blank: Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels, allowing the exchange of __________.
gases, nutrients, and waste
89
True or False: Veins have thicker walls than arteries.
False
90
What is the function of baroreceptors in blood vessels?
Monitor pressure changes to ensure stable circulation.
91
What type of circulation moves deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs?
Pulmonary circulation
92
What do lymphatic vessels assist with in relation to the circulatory system?
Immune responses by draining excess fluid and filtering harmful substances.
