Cardio anatomy 1 Flashcards
Describe the differences between arteries, veins and capillaries
- Veins have thinner walls where arteries have thicker walls to help them withstand high pressures.
- Veins carry blood towards the heart but arteries carry blood away from the heart and capillaries transport blood between the arteries and veins.
- Veins and arteries have 3 layered walls whereas capillaries have a single cell wall.
- Arteries contain muscle tissue whereas veins don’t but they have valves that arteries don’t have
Describe the structure of the blood vessel walls
Veins and arteries have 3 layers
Tunica intima = inner lining of squamous epithelium
Tunica media =middle layer of smooth muscle and elastic tissue
Tunica adventitia = outer layer of fibrous tissue
What are the three types of anastomoses?
Arterial anastomoses are arteries merging to form collateral channels. Common in abdominal organs, heart and brain.
Venous anastomoses are merging of two veins. These are welcome throughout the whole body
Arteriovenous anastomosis is when a artery connects a vein. These are common throughout the capillary beds.
Describe the differences between anastomoses and collateral circulation
Anastomoses create one channel for blood to travel between the vessels whereas collateral circulation provides alternate pathways which can provide adequate blood supply if a branch is blocked or cut.
What is the lymphatic system?
Network of vessels throughout the body which drain fluid called lymph that has leaked from the blood vessels into tissues and empties it into the bloodstream via the lymph nodes.
It’s main role is to protect the body by removing foreign material from the lymph. Lymphatic tissue contains white blood cells which can engulf and destroy viruses, bacteria and foreign bodies.
What are the lymphatic vessels?
Vessels which form a network in the bodies connective tissues to drain fluid in and out of interstitial paces and lymphatic capillaries.
What are lacteals?
Specialised lymphatic capillaries in the villi of the intestinal mucosa
What are lymphatic trunks?
Vessels which drain fluid from large areas of the body, these vessels are named after the area of the body which they drain from.
What are lymphatic ducts?
Vessels responsible for draining lymph from the upper body into the subclavian
What is the thoracic duct?
Main lymphatic vessel that returns lymph from the rest of the body to the systemic venous system.
What is the cisterna chyli?
It collects lymph from the lower part of the body and is located around L2.
What is the lymph node?
Small bean shaped shaped structure that contains white body cells that help filter the substances travelling through the body to help fight infection and disease
