The Circulatory System Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are the three major components of the circulatory system?
- Blood
- Heart
- Blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries)
These components work together to circulate blood throughout the body.
What is the function of the circulatory system?
Carries oxygen, carbon dioxide, waste, digested food, heat, and hormones
This function is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and supporting cellular activities.
What are the two types of circulation in the circulatory system?
- Pulmonary circulation
- Systemic circulation
Pulmonary circulation refers to blood flow to the lungs, while systemic circulation refers to blood flow to the rest of the body.
Fill in the blank: The blood flowing to the lungs is called _______.
[pulmonary circulation]
Fill in the blank: The blood going to the rest of the body is called _______.
[systemic circulation]
Describe the structure and function of arteries.
- Thick layer of muscle and elastic fibers
- Thick walls
- Small lumen
- Carry blood away from the heart at high pressure
The elasticity of arteries helps accommodate the high pressure of blood pumped from the heart.
Describe the structure and function of veins.
- Relatively thin walls
- Large lumen
- Often have valves
- Carry blood back to the heart at low pressure
Valves in veins prevent backflow of blood, ensuring it moves in the correct direction.
Describe the structure and function of capillaries.
- Walls are a single cell thick
- Very narrow lumen
- Allow gas exchange
The thin walls of capillaries facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and tissues.
What is the structure of the heart?
- 4 chambered muscular pump
- Made from cardiac muscle
- Supplied with blood via coronary arteries
The four chambers include two atria and two ventricles, which work together to pump blood.
What separates the two sides of the heart?
The septum
The septum ensures that oxygenated and deoxygenated blood do not mix.
What are the names of the chambers of the heart?
- Atria (upper chambers)
- Ventricles (lower chambers)
The atria have thinner walls, while the ventricles have thicker walls to pump blood more forcefully.
What is the role of the heart valves?
Ensure blood flows in one direction
Valves prevent backflow of blood between beats, contributing to the heart’s efficiency.
True or False: The heart has no valves.
False
Valves are crucial for maintaining proper blood flow through the heart.
What is the shape and function of red blood cells?
Red blood cells are bi-concave in shape, contain hemoglobin, and pick up oxygen.
Hemoglobin gives red blood cells their bright red color when combined with oxygen.
What is the lifespan of red blood cells?
120 days
What are the types of white blood cells?
- Lymphocyte
- Monocyte
- Eosinophil
- Basophil
- Neutrophil
These cells detect and destroy bacteria.
What is the main role of platelets?
To clot blood and form a scab when blood is exposed to air.
What is plasma and what does it consist of?
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, consisting of water, nutrients, hormones, and wastes like carbon dioxide.
What percentage of blood does plasma make up?
55%
What are some factors that can cause problems in heart health?
- Lack of exercise
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Stress
- Genetics
How does exercise affect heart health?
It strengthens the heart and decreases fat.
How does a poor diet impact heart health?
It increases fat and cholesterol, causing the heart to work harder.
What is the effect of smoking on blood?
It makes the blood more likely to clot.
How does stress affect the body?
It causes the body to release hormones and adrenaline.
