Heart & Blood Flashcards
(16 cards)
What are erythrocytes?
Red blood cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the respiring tissue
Erythrocytes are moved by the heart’s pressure and deliver oxygen through haemoglobin, which gives them a red pigment due to iron.
What is the shape of erythrocytes and why is it significant?
Biconcave shape for more surface area
This shape increases the efficiency of oxygen transport.
What role do leucocytes play in the body?
Help the body fight against unwanted bacteria and disease
Leucocytes are split into two main types: phagocytes and lymphocytes.
What are the components of plasma?
Water, hormones, glucose, amino acids
Plasma transports vitamins and minerals as well.
What is the consistency and texture of plasma?
Liquid content that is sticky to the touch
Plasma is kept consistent by the liver and kidneys.
What is the function of platelets?
Help blood to clot to prevent infection and blood loss
Platelets are also known as thrombocytes and are cell fragments found in bone marrow.
What is tissue fluid and how is it formed?
Allows the exchange of substances between tissues and blood capillaries
Tissue fluid is formed due to artery pressure causing liquid to leak from blood plasma into the interstitial space.
What is the primary function of arteries?
Transport blood away from the heart at high pressure
Arteries have a narrow lumen and thick, muscular elastic walls, and they do not have valves.
What are the characteristics of veins?
Transport blood towards the heart at low pressure
Veins have a wide lumen, valves to prevent backflow, and thin walls.
What is the function of capillaries?
Transport blood towards and away from tissue
Capillaries facilitate the exchange of materials between blood and tissues.
What prevents oxygenated and deoxygenated blood from mixing in the heart?
The septum
The septum is a wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart.
What are the health problems associated with the heart?
- heart attack
- stroke
- angina
- hypertension
- high cholesterol
- thrombosis
- atherosclerosis
Describe how the blood passes through the body
Vera Cava > Right atrium > Tricuspid valve > Right ventricle > Semi lunar valves > Pulmonary artery > lungs > pulmonary vein > Semi lunar valves > Left ventricle > Bicuspid valve > Left atrium > Aorta
What are Platelets known as?
Thrombocyts
In what are Leucocytes split into?
Lymphocytes and Phagocytes
What does plasma transfer?
Vitamins and Minerals
