Cardiovascular System - 7a Flashcards
What are the three main functions of the cardiovascular system?
Transportation, regulation, and protection.
What substances does the cardiovascular system transport?
Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, waste products, hormones, and heat.
How does the cardiovascular system regulate pH and temperature?
pH is regulated via buffers; temperature is regulated by heat absorption and distribution by blood.
How does the cardiovascular system protect the body?
Through clotting mechanisms and immune responses using white blood cells and antibodies.
Where is the heart located?
In the mediastinum, between the lungs, with about two-thirds to the left of the midline.
What is the function of the fibrous pericardium?
It anchors the heart to the diaphragm and prevents overstretching.
What is the role of the serous pericardium?
It reduces friction with its fluid-filled cavity between two layers.
Name the sulci found on the heart.
- Coronary sulcus
- Anterior interventricular sulcus
- Posterior interventricular sulcus
What are the three layers of the heart wall?
- Epicardium (outer)
- Myocardium (middle, muscle)
- Endocardium (inner, lines chambers and valves)
What is the fibrous skeleton of the heart?
A dense connective tissue framework that supports valves, insulates chambers, and anchors muscle fibers.
Name the four heart chambers.
- Right atrium
- Right ventricle
- Left atrium
- Left ventricle
Which chamber has the thickest myocardium and why?
The left ventricle – it pumps blood throughout the body against higher resistance.
What is the function of the atrioventricular (AV) valves?
To allow blood flow from atria to ventricles and prevent backflow during ventricular contraction.
Name the semilunar valves and their locations.
- Pulmonary valve (right ventricle to pulmonary trunk)
- Aortic valve (left ventricle to aorta)
What are the two main circuits of blood circulation?
Pulmonary (lungs) and systemic (body).
Trace the path of pulmonary circulation.
Body → Right atrium → Right ventricle → Pulmonary trunk → Lungs → Left atrium.
Trace the path of systemic circulation.
Left atrium → Left ventricle → Aorta → Body → Right atrium.
What supplies blood to the heart muscle itself?
Coronary circulation via left and right coronary arteries.
What are the five types of blood vessels?
- Arteries
- Arterioles
- Capillaries
- Venules
- Veins
Which vessels carry blood away from the heart?
Arteries.
What are the three layers of a blood vessel wall?
- Tunica interna (inner)
- Tunica media (middle)
- Tunica externa (outer)
How do arteries and veins differ structurally?
Arteries have thicker tunica media, more elastic tissue; veins have valves and larger lumens.
What are elastic arteries? Give examples.
Large arteries with high elasticity (e.g., aorta, pulmonary trunk).
What is an anastomosis?
A connection between two or more blood vessels supplying the same region.
