Cardiovascular System - The body Flashcards
Tunica externa (adventitia)
Outer connective tissue
Tunica media
middle smooth muscle layer
- can also have elastic fibres
Tunica intima
Inner endothelial lining of the vessel
Large elastic arteries
Enough elastic fibers in tunica media for expansion and recoil for cardiac cycle
Maintains constant flow of blood during diastole.
- Aorta, brachiocephalic trunk, etc.
Medium muscular arteries
Tunica media that has mostly smooth muscle fibres.
Allows vessels to regulate diameter and control blood flow.
- femoral , axillary, radial arteries.
Large veins
Smooth muscle in tunica media, thickest layer in tunica externa
- Vena cavas & hepatic portal vein
Small and medium veins
Small amounts of smooth muscle and thickest tunica externa
- Deep leg veins
Anastomosis
Most tissues have collateral vessels that allow supply and drainage of organs in case of damage.
- Sometimes loss of cain produces significant venous collateralization, making it susceptible to bleeding.
Sclerosing arteries
Chronic inflammatory reaction in the walls of arteries
Due to cholesterol and fatty protein deposition
Can produce secondary calcification (Reduction in diameters)
Blocked distal flow
Platelets lock on plaque
Plaque fissuring can occur, allowing fresh clots to form and occlude the vessel.
Arteries
blood transported AWAY from heart
Veins
blood transported TOWARDS the heart
Capillaries
connect arteries and veins, smallest blood vessels
Exchange places for oxygen, waste and nutrients.
Small arteries and arterioles
Control filling of capillaries and arterial pressure in vascular system
Venuels
Smallest veins, drain the capillaries.
Capillary bed
a network of small blood vessels that allow the exchange of gas, water, and nutrients.
