12.1/12.2 Chapter Questions - The Function of Circulation Flashcards
Name the 3 parts of the circulatory system and the function of each.
- Heart: Pumps blood throughout the body.
- Blood Vessels: Carry blood to and from different parts of the body.
- Blood: Transports oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and other substances within the body.
closed circulatory systems
- keeps the blood physically contained within vessels and separate from other body tissues
- blood follows a continuous fixed path
Explain how hemolymph in the open circulatory system of an insect moves through its body.
- Heart pumps hemolymph.
-Contraction of muscles aids in hemolymph movement. - Hemolymph flows through aorta and sinuses.
- Hemolymph bathes organs and tissues.
- Hemolymph returns to the heart through ostia.
- Process repeats for circulation.
Describe the oxygen content of the blood in each of the four chambers of the heart.
- right atrium: gets oxygen-poor blood from the body, pumps it to right ventricle.
- right ventricle: pumps the oxygen-poor blood to the lungs
- left atrium: receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle.
- left ventricle: pumps the oxygen-rich blood to the body
List the 4 components of blood and their distinct functions.
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs):
Contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds and carries oxygen. - White Blood Cells (WBCs):
Defend the body against infections and foreign substances. - Platelets:
Release clotting factors and form a plug at the site of injury. - Plasma:
Transport nutrients, hormones, waste products, and other substances throughout the body.
Explain how the function of the erythrocyte is related to its biconcave shape.
- The biconcave shape of erythrocytes (red blood cells) is important for their function.
- It provides a larger surface area-to-volume ratio for efficient gas exchange.
- The shape allows for easy diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- The flexibility of the shape enables erythrocytes to navigate through narrow capillaries.
- The shape maximizes the capacity of erythrocytes to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Explain why veins have valves.
valves in veins prevent the backward flow of blood, maintain one-way blood flow, assist blood circulation against gravity, and reduce the risk of venous disorders.
Name 2 systems that interact closely with the circulatory system, and describe that interaction.
- The respiratory system interacts with the circulatory system by exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- The digestive system interacts with the circulatory system by absorbing nutrients and transporting them to body tissues.
If the left ventricle was not able to pump blood properly, what effect would this have on the lungs?
- Decreased blood flow to the lungs.
- Reduced oxygenation of blood in the lungs.
- Impaired removal of carbon dioxide from the blood.
- Potential fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
Describe one function and structure of the three main types of blood vessels.
Artery:
- Function: Carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body tissues.
- Structure: Thick, muscular walls with elastic fibers to handle high pressure.
Vein:
- Function: Carries deoxygenated blood from the body tissues back to the heart.
- Structure: Thinner walls compared to arteries, with valves to prevent backflow of blood.
Capillary:
- Function: Facilitates the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and surrounding tissues.
- Structure: Very thin walls, allowing for the exchange of substances between blood and tissues.
Iron deficiency, or anemia, often results in fatigue and pallor. Explain how these symptoms could result from inadequate iron in the diet.
- iron is in the hemoglobin, without the iron the hemoglobin does not work
- hemoglobin carries oxygen, therefore no iron, no oxygen either
- iron needs to be required via diet due to us not being born with it
A pharmaceutical company develops an artificial red blood cell that is very effective at transporting oxygen but is unable to transport carbon dioxide. Explain what would happen in the blood vessels if this substance were used in a blood transfusion. How would this affect the patient? Assume the transfusion has no effect on the level of plasma in the blood.
- majority of carbon dioxide is dissolved in the blood stream
- therefore the waste product would be left in the blood streams
- leaving the patient fatigued
- not a huge effect but some when it builds up
A penguin’s body is well protected from the cold by thick down and blubber, but its feet have no insulation. Explain how it is possible that a penguin does not lose heat through its feet.
- Penguins have a countercurrent heat exchange system in their legs.
- Arteries and veins are located close together, allowing heat transfer.
- Warm arterial blood warms cold venous blood.
- Heat loss through the feet is minimized.
- Penguins can maintain body temperature in cold environments.
What information can be gained by checking the numbers and types of cells present in the blood of a person who is sick?
- Overall white blood cell count can indicate the presence of infection or inflammation.
- Specific types of white blood cells can help identify the type of infection or indicate specific diseases.
- Red blood cell count can reveal conditions such as anemia or dehydration.
- Platelet count can indicate bleeding disorders or bone marrow dysfunction.
What is stenosis?
- Stenosis is the narrowing of a body passage or opening.
- It restricts normal flow or function.
- Causes include plaque buildup, inflammation, tumors, or congenital issues.
- Symptoms depend on location and may include pain or weakness.
- Treatments vary based on severity and can include medication, therapy, or surgery.
