Anatomy & Physiology: Cardiovascular System Flashcards
To gain a basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the Cardiovascular System.
1
Q
Blood
A
the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and other vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body.
2
Q
Plasma
A
Colorless fluid, consisting of about 92% water found within the blood, lymph, or milk, in which corpuscles or fat globules are suspended.
3
Q
Erythrocytes
A
A red blood cell that (in humans) is typically a biconcave disc without a nucleus. Erythrocytes contain the pigment hemoglobin, which imparts the red color to blood, and transport oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the tissues.
4
Q
Leukocytes
A
A colorless cell that circulates in the blood and body fluids and is involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease; a white (blood) cell.
5
Q
Atria
A
The two upper cavities of the heart from which blood is passed to the ventricles. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the veins of the body; the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary vein. Also called auricle.
6
Q
Interventricular Septum
A
A structure that separates/divides the left and right ventricles of the heart.
7
Q
Interatrial Septum
A
A structure that separates/divides the left and right atrium of the heart.
8
Q
Thrombocytes
A
Formed elements that are part of the blood, which aid in blood clotting and wound healing. (Also known as Platelets)
9
Q
Buffy Coat
A
Thin layer of white blood cells and platelets that are found between the reddish mass and plasma layers after the blood is spun in a centrifuge.
10
Q
Vasodilate
A
When blood vessels expand.
11
Q
Vasoconstrict
A
When blood vessels contract.
12
Q
Pathogens
A
Foreign invaders that harm the body. A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
13
Q
Antibodies
A
A part of the body’s natural defense to recognize foreign substances and alert the immune system.
A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.
14
Q
Hemostasis
A
Helps maintain blood in its fluid state and stops blood from leaking out of a damaged blood vessel through clot formation.
15
Q
Vascular Spasm
A
When blood vessels constrict to reduce blood loss.
16
Q
Coagulation
A
The process of which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot.
17
Q
Blood Clotting
A
The process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. Platelets and plasma work together to stop the bleeding by forming a clot over the injured area.
18
Q
Antigens
A
A toxin or other foreign substance which induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.
19
Q
Rh Factor
A
Rhesus (Rh) factor is an inherited protein found on the surface of red blood cells. Can be either present (+) or absent (-), it increases the number of major blood groups from four to eight: A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, and AB-
20
Q
Agglutination
A
The process of an antibody identifying antigens on the surface of the red blood cell to which the antibodies can bind. (Also known as “Clumping”)
21
Q
The Cardiovascular System
A
An organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells to and from cells in the body to provide nourishment and help in fighting diseases, stabilize temperature, and pH, and maintain homeostasis.
22
Q
Blood Type
A
Blood Type (or Blood Group) is a classification of blood based on the presence or absence of antibodies and inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBC).
23
Q
Arteries
A
Any of the muscular walled tubes forming part of the circulation system by which blood (mainly that which has been oxygenated) is conveyed from the heart to all parts of the body.
(Composed of elastic tissue and smooth muscle)
24
Q
Veins
A
Any of the tubes forming part of the blood circulation system of the body, carrying in most cases oxygen-depleted blood toward the heart.
25
Arterioles
a small branch of an artery leading into capillaries.
26
Capillaries
* Any of the fine branching blood vessels that form a network between the arterioles and venules.
* A blood vessel with the internal diameter of hair-like thinness.
27
Ventricles
Two lower chambers of the heart. Receive blood from the atria and pump it to the body and lungs.
28
Pericardium
Outer membrane layer enclosing the heart. Consisting of a fibrous layer and inner double layer of serious membrane.
29
Myocardium
Middle muscular layer of the heart. It is a specialized form of skeletal muscle that constantly pumps rhythmically without "instruction" from nerves or blood.
30
Endocardium
Thin, smooth Innermost membrane layer of the heart. Lines the inside chambers of the heart and forms the surface of the valves.
31
Tricuspid Valve
Regulates blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle. Prevents backflow of blood into the right atrium.
32
Pulmonary Valve
Regulates blood flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery.
33
Mitral Valve
Regulates blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. (also Bicuspid Valve)
34
Aortic Valve
The last valve through which the blood passes before it enters the aorta or main blood vessel of the body. Regulates blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
35
Aorta
The largest and main artery in the body.
36
Cardiac Cycle
The complete cycle beginning with atrial contraction and ending with ventricular contraction.
37
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Recording of electrical activity of the heart.
38
Epicardium
The outer layer of the heart or Visceral Pericardium
39
What are the 3 layers of the heart wall?
Epicardium, Endocardium, and Myocardium.
40
Chordae Tendineae
Also known as the heart strings, are tendon-resembling fibrous cords of connective tissue that connect the papillary muscles to the tricuspid valve and the bicuspid valve in the heart.
41
Anastomosis
The joining of vessels of similar size supplying the same anatomic area.
42
Mediastinum
The heart’s enclosure and is the space between the right and left lungs.
43
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: uses the flexible ribs to compress the heart between the sternum and backbone and pump blood in cases of cardiac arrest.
44
Venae Cavae
Blood returns via the superior and inferior Venae Cavae.
45
Chordae Tendineae
Are a group of tough, tendinous strands in the heart. They are commonly referred to as the “heart strings” since they resemble small pieces of string.
Functionally, the chordae tendineae play a vital role in holding the atrioventricular valves in place while the heart is pumping blood.
46
Sinoatrial (SA) Node
A small body of specialized muscle tissue in the wall of the right atrium of the heart that acts as a pacemaker by producing a contractile signal at regular intervals.
47
Atrioventricular (AV) Node
Controls the heart rate, is one of the major elements in the cardiac conduction system.
The AV node serves as an electrical relay station, slowing the electrical current sent by the sinoatrial (SA) node before the signal is permitted to pass down through to the ventricles.
48
Valve Stenosis
or Aortic Stenosis — occurs when the heart's aortic valve narrows.
This narrowing prevents the valve from opening fully, which reduces or blocks blood flow from your heart into the main artery to your body (aorta) and onward to the rest of your body.
49
Cardiac Reserve
Ratio of maximum output to resting output.
50
Atrial Fibrillation
Known as AF or Afib,
| is an irregular, rapid heart rate that may cause symptoms like heart palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
51
Ventricular Fibrillation
also known as a Cardiac Arrest,
is a heart rhythm problem that occurs when the heart beats with rapid, erratic electrical impulses. This causes pumping chambers in your heart (the ventricles) to quiver uselessly, instead of pumping blood.
52
Cardiac Conduction System
A group of specialized cardiac muscle cells in the walls of the heart that send signals to the heart muscle causing it to contract.
The main components of the cardiac conduction system are the SA node, AV node, bundle of His, bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers.
53
Phases of the Cardiac Cycle
Phase 1 - Relaxation
Both the atria and ventricles are in relaxation (diastole).
Phase 2 - Ventricular Filling
Begins after the valves open. Atrial Contraction occurs, and Ventricular Systole starts.
Phase 3 - Ventricular Systole (Ejection)
The ventricles contract, closing the AV valves. All valves are closed for a fraction of a second.
54
Starling’s Law
or Frank Starling’s Law,
| Relates muscular stretching to muscle power.
55
Mitral Insufficiency
A backflow of blood caused by failure of the heart's mitral valve to close tightly.
56
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse is a valvular heart disease characterized by the displacement of an abnormally thickened mitral valve leaflet into the left atrium during systole.
57
A Myocardial Infarction
Commonly known as a heart attack. It occurs when a portion of the heart is deprived of oxygen due to blockage of a coronary artery.
58
Diastole
Is the relaxation of the ventricles that pushes blood outward to the lungs or the body.
59
Systole
Is the active compression, or squeezing, of the ventricles that pushes blood outward to the lungs or the body.
60
What are the 3 phases of the cardiac cycle?
Phase 1:
Relaxation Period. Both the atria and ventricles are in diastole.
Phase 2 :
Ventricular Filling. Begins after the valves open.
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Phase 3:
Ventricular Systole (ejection). The ventricles contract, closing the AV valves.
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61
Angina Pectoris
"Pain in the Chest"
62
Thallium Stress Test
Thallium is a radioactive isotope that selectively is taken up by the myocardium muscle. We can see the isotope by using a sophisticated Geiger Counter.
Bright Yellow & Red for good blood flow and Pale Blue for little to no blood flow.
63
Cardiac Output
Stroke volume measured by milliliters (ml) of blood pumped out of the left ventricle in one stroke (str).
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EQUASION:
Cardiac Output (ml/minute) = Stroke Volume (ml/str) x Heart Rate (str/min) = ml/min
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64
P-wave
An electrical signature of atrial depolarization.
65
QRS Complex
Marks the beginning of ventricular systole.
66
T-wave
Indicates ventricular repolarization, recovery, and contraction.
67
P-R Interval
Is the length of time between the beginning of atrial contraction and the beginning of ventricular contraction.
68
What is A-V Disassociation?
Heart Block - a prolongation or interruption in the P-R interval.
69
Describe the heart sounds "Lub-Dub".
Sounds Made by turbulence as valves close.
* Lub - comes with the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves as ventricular systole begins in full.
* Dub - comes with the closure of the aortic and pulmonary semilunar valves as systole ends and diastole begins.
70
Pulmonary Circulation
Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
71
Systemic Circulation
Carries blood from the heart to arteries, then to capillaries, then to veins, and back to the heart.
72
Branchiocephalic Trunk
The division of the aorta immediately after the aorta leaves the heart.
It splits into the Carotid Artery
73
Carotid Artery
Supplies blood to the head and Subclavian Artery
74
Subclavian Artery
Artery under the collarbone which then becomes the Axillary Artery.
75
Axillary Artery
Artery in the armpit which then becomes the Branchial Artery.
76
Branchial Artery
Artery moving outward along the arm and splits into the Radial and Ulnar Arteries.
77
Radial and Ulnar Artery
Arteries which run along the Radius and Ulna bones.
78
Where does exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste materials occur in the vascular system?
Capillary Level
* Capillaries are the only functioning exchange part of the vascular system. The other vessels are merely channels or conduits for the passage of blood.
79
Vasa Vasorum
"Vessels of the Vessels"
| Feed the walls of the blood vessels themselves.
80
Lumen
Is the hollow center through which blood flows.
81
Conducting Arteries
Are large-sized and contain more elastic tissue than muscle tissue. Elastic recoil maintains pressure between pumping strokes. Back pressure closes the semilunar valves in the aorta.
(The largest elastic arteries are the: Aorta, Carotid, and Pulmonary)
82
Distributing Arteries
Are small- and medium-sized, and contain more muscular tissue than elastic tissue. The main function is to distribute blood flow to parts of the body that need it. These arteries are stimulated by the Sympathetic Nervous system. They stop bleeding, regulate blood pressure, and shunt blood flow where it is needed most.
83
Hypovolemia
Low volume blood pressure or volume depletion. A state of decreased blood volume or diminished body fluid; more specifically, decreased volume of blood plasma.
84
Thrombophlebitis
An inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in your legs.
85
Embolus
A loose / moving blood clot.
86
Pulmonary Embolism
When an Embolus blocks pulmonary capillaries.
87
Arterial Embolism
When an Embolus blocks arterial capillaries.
88
Stroke
An Embolism in the brain.
89
The Venous System contains what percentage of the body's blood?
60%
90
Arterial-venous Fistuals
Are abnormal places where blood moves directly from arteries to veins, bypassing capillaries.
91
Portal Circulation
Connect one venous system with another via venous capillaries (rather than arterial-to-venous capillaries.)
92
Where are 2 major portal circulations in the body?
Through the liver and in the brain around the pituitary gland.
93
Hepatic Portal Circulation
Venous blood from the digestive system (full of nutrients) circulates through the liver.
94
What is the route of Hepatic Portal Circulation?
1) The Superior Mesenteric Vein and Splenic Vein combine from the Portal Vein, which lies next to the Vena Cava.
2) The Portal Vein enters the Liver and divides into the Portal Capillary bed, a venous-to-venous capillary network.
3) Exits the Liver by draining into the Inferior Vena Cava.
95
What is the function of Blood as an Organ?
A system of tissues of different kinds to perform specific functions in the body.
Transportation, Protection, and Homeostasis.
96
What are the three layers blood separates into after centrifugation?
1) Erythrocytes: The densest (bottom) layer made up of red blood cells.
2) Plasma: The lightest layer (top).
3) Leukocytes: The middle layer "Buffy Coat" made up of white blood cells.
97
Describe the difference between Hemoglobin readings and Hematocrit readings.
Hemoglobin measures the amount of Hemoglobin molecule that carry oxygen in the blood. Hematocrit is the percentage by volume of red blood cells.
98
What is Plasma made up of?
* Clotting Proteins
* Antibodies that fight off infection.
* Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride)
* Water
99
Describe Functions of the Blood System:
1. Transportation
* Transports oxygen to all of the body's tissue.
* Removes carbon dioxide from tissues.
* Nutrients from the GI tract are absorbed into blood.
* Removes wastes from the cells for excretion.
* Circulates hormones and other chemicals from sites of manufacture to target organs.
100
Describe Functions of the Blood System:
2. Protection
It stops bleeding, fights infection, and transports cells and antibodies f the immune system to fight foreign invaders.
101
Describe Functions of the Blood System:
3. Homeostasis
* Maintains the equilibrium of the Internal Milieu.
* Maintains pH (7.1 - 7.4)
* Regulates temperature through shunting mechanisms.
* Regulates total fluid and electrolyte balance.
102
Hematopoietic Stem Cell
The origin of all Leukocytes.
103
What are some of the several kinds of Leukocytes?
* Eosinophils
* Neutrophils
* Basophils
* Monocytes
* Lymphocytes
* Megakaryoblasts
104
Eosinophils
White blood cells involved in allergy response.
105
Neutrophils
Are the main bacterial-fighting elements and have different possible nucleus shape.
106
Basophils
White blood cells involved in allergy processes.
107
Monocytes
Are "Wandering Macrophages" that travel the body eating dead cells and waste.
108
Lymphocytes
Play an important role in the Immune System.
109
Megakaryoblast
Become Megakaryocytes, which break up into platelets.
110
What are the functions of Leukocytes?
* Alert the body to "Stranger Danger" and release lysins and perforins, which destroy foreign cells.
* Move out of blood to attack danger in tissues as well.
* Keep blood sterile.
111
Bacteremia
Bacteria in the blood.
112
Viremia
Viruses in the blood.
113
Septicemia
Organisms multiplying in the blood.
114
Platelets
* Also known as Thrombocytes.
* First line of defense in bloods complex clotting system.
* Have no cell nucleus: they are fragments of cytoplasm that are derived from the megakaryocytes of the bone marrow, and then enter the circulation.
115
Thrombocytes
* Also known as Platelets.
| * First line of defense in bloods complex clotting system.
116
What is the process known as Chemotaxis?
Chemical signals attract platelets to a trauma site. They aggregate and form a barrier to blood flow.
117
What is Platelet Aggregation?
The clumping together of platelets in the blood.
118
Describe Platelet Plug Formation.
* Platelets become sticky and adhere to the torn vessel at the site of bleeding.
* The platelets release chemicals; there is a further spasm of smooth muscle and more narrowing of the hole.
* Sticky platelets call for more platelets until the plug is formed.
119
Disseminated Intravascular Clotting (DIC)
A disease in which blood clots inside healthy vessels.
120
Hemophilia
A disease in which the patient lacks a clotting factor.
121
Baroreceptors
Located in the carotid artery and aortic arch, measure blood pressure. They report drops in blood pressure to the brain, which will take any measures necessary to increase the pressure.
122
Paroxysmal Arterial Tachycardia (PAT)
Causes the atrium to beat at 300 bpm.
Clinical Application:
* Pressure on the baroreceptors will cause the brain to send a signal to the heart to slow down.
123
Shock
Is a state in which the body cannot maintain sufficient cardiac output to supply oxygen and nutrients to the cells and remove wastes. or, A sustained systolic pressure of less than 80mm of mercury.
124
Types of Shock:
Hypovolemic Shock
A decrease in blood volume. This decrease can result from blood loss or dehydration.
(trauma, GI bleeding, diarrhea, vomiting, lower fluid intake, or excessive sweating)
125
Types of Shock:
Endotoxic Shock
Results from infection with certain organisms, especially gram negative bacteria.
126
Types of Shock:
Cardiogenic Shock
Results from malfunction of the heart.
| nonfatal heart attack or arrhythmia
127
Types of Shock:
Neurogenic Shock
A result of the brain trying to shut itself down: for example, as a result of a sudden unwanted visual image.
(fainting)
128
What are the 3 Stages of shock?
Stage 1:
Compensated Non-Progressive Shock
Stage 2:
Decompensated Progressive Shock
Stage 3:
Irreversible Shock
