Cardiovascular System - Lecture 1 Flashcards
What is the function of the cardiovascular system?
To transport molecules fast over long distances between cells, tissues and organs
What do the two ventricles of the heart do respectively?
One ventricle pumps blood to the lungs (oxygen)
One ventricle pumps blood to the body (deliver)
What is the vasculature of the heart designed to do?
Carry out blood
Where do arteries carry blood?
Away from the heart
Where do veins carry blood?
Back to the heart
What is conductance?
Response to systolic and diastolic pressure
What is microcirculation?
Exchange between the blood and extracellular fluid
What does blood carry?
Nutrients, oxygen and waste
What are the red blood cells called?
Erythrocytes
What are white blood cells called?
Leukocytes
What are leukocytes responsible for?
Immunity and inflammation
What are platelets responsible for?
Coagulation
What is diffusion?
The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration of the molecules to an area with a lower concentration
What are the factors that regulate the process of diffusion (5)?
- Distance
- Temperature
- Characteristics of the solvent
- Characteristics of the molecule
- Characteristics of the barrier
How does distance affect diffusion rates?
The greater the distance, the slower the diffusion rate
How does temperature affect diffusion rate?
Generally higher temperature leads to better diffusion
How do the characteristics of the solvent affect diffusion rate?
Higher density leads to lower diffusion rates
How do characteristics of the molecule affect diffusion rate?
High mass = lower diffusion
How do characteristics of the barrier affect diffusion rate?
Cell membrane (affinity, surface area size and thickness)
The cardiovascular system can function as a transporter due to:
Diffusion
What is the equation for Fick’s Law?
Flux of gas = membrane diffusing capacity x pressure gradient across the membrane
