Blood Transport Flashcards
Haemoglobin
A protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs or gills to the body’s tissues and organs
Blood vessels
A tube through which the blood circulates in the body.
Artery
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Capillary
The site of diffusion between the blood and the body tissues.
Vein
Veins return the blood back to the heart.
Hydrostatic pressure
As the blood in the artery gets to the capillary, it has a high pressure so water leaks out of the capillary because of the gap between the epithelial cells.
Osmotic pressure
At the end of the capillary, there is low pressure so the plasma proteins attract the water back into the capillary which leads to the vein.
Plasma
The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells.
Valve
Prevents the backflow of blood in the wrong direction in the heart.
Vena cava
The major vein in the body where this returns deoxygenated blood to the right hand side of the heart.
Aorta
Carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Endothelium
One cell thick and lines the lumen of all blood vessels. It is very smooth and reduces friction for free blood flow.
Intima
The innermost layer of a blood vessel wall. It serves as a protective barrier and helps regulate blood flow.
Tunica externa
The outermost layer of a blood vessel, surrounding the tunica media.
Tunica media
The middle portion of the vessel wall and contains smooth muscle cells and connective tissue.
Plasma proteins
Proteins present in blood plasma. They perform many different functions, including transport of hormones, vitamins and minerals in activity and functioning of the immune system.
