Cardiovascular System

Question 1

What are the 3 main components of the CS?

Answer 1

Heart, blood vessels and blood

Question 2

What are the 4 main functions of the CS?

Answer 2

1) transport nutrients, gases and waste products around the body
2) protect against infection/blood loss
3) help maintain constant body temp
4) help maintain fluid balance within the body

Question 3

What are the 3 layers of the heart wall?

Answer 3

1) Pericardium
2) Myocardium
3) Endocardium

Question 4

What is the pericardium?

Answer 4

Outermost protective layer

Serous membrane consisting of connective tissue covered by epithelium

Includes blood capillaries, lymph capillaries and nerve fibres

Question 5

What is the myocardium?

Answer 5

Relatively thick

Consists largely of cardiac muscle tissue- forces blood out of the heart chambers

Question 6

What is the endocardium ?

Answer 6

Consists of epithelial and connective tissue, containing elastin and collagen fibres (lots of)

Question 7

What is the function of a valve?

Answer 7

Prevent the back flow of blood, ensuring it is unidirectional

Question 8

What are the characteristics of an artery?

Answer 8

No valves
Thick vessel wall
Thin/small lumen
High pressure
Carries blood away from the heart (around body)

Question 9

What are the characteristics of a vein?

Answer 9

Valves
Large lumen
Thin vessel wall
Low pressure
Carries blood towards heart

Question 10

What are the characteristics of capillaries?

Answer 10

No valves
Low pressure 
Small lumen
Thin vessel wall
Carries blood towards tissues