[32] Biochemistry of the Cardiovascular System Flashcards
What are the primary functions of the cardiovascular system?
- Delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues
- Removal of waste products
- Regulation of body temperature
What are the main components of the cardiovascular system?
- Heart
- Blood vessels
- Blood
What is the basic functional unit of the cardiovascular system?
The capillary
What is the role of the heart in the cardiovascular system?
It pumps blood throughout the body.
What are the two main types of blood vessels?
- Arteries
- Veins
How does oxygen travel in the blood?
It binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells.
What is the role of platelets?
They help in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
What is atherosclerosis?
A disease where plaque builds up inside the arteries.
What is myocardial infarction?
Commonly known as a heart attack, it occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked.
What is hypertension?
High blood pressure, which can damage the blood vessels and heart.
What is stroke?
It happens when blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced.
What is the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the cardiovascular system?
It helps in the regulation of blood vessel tone and blood flow.
How is blood pressure maintained?
By the balance between cardiac output and peripheral resistance.
What is LDL?
Low-Density Lipoprotein, often referred to as “bad cholesterol” because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.
What is HDL?
High-Density Lipoprotein, often referred to as “good cholesterol” because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver.
