Chapter 6 - Circulatory System Vocabulary Flashcards
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The pressure in the aorta against which the left ventricle must pump blood
Absolute refractory period
The early phases of repolarization in which the cell contains such a large concentration of ions that it cannot be stimulated to depolarize
Agranulocytes
Leukocytes that lack granules
Albumins
The smallest of plasma proteins; they make up about 60% of these proteins by weight
Alpha effect
Stimulation of alpha receptors that result in vasoconstriction
Anemia
A lower than normal hemoglobin or erythrocyte level
Anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery
One of the two branches of the left main coronary artery
Anti-bodies
Proteins secreted by certain immune cells that react against foreign antigens in the body by binding to the antigens, making them more visible to the immune system
Antigens
Substances or molecules that, when taken into the body, stimulate immune system response and cause formation of specific protective proteins called anti-bodies
Aorta
The principal artery leaving the left side of the heart and caring freshly oxygenated blood to the body; the largest artery in the body
Aortic arch
One of the three described portions of the aorta; the secretion of the aorta between ascending and descending portions that gives rise to the right brachiocephalic (innominate), left common carotid, and left subclavian artery
Aortic valve
The semi lunar valve that regulates blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta
Arteries
The muscular, thick walled blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart
Arterioles
Subdivisions of arteries that are thinner and have muscles in their walls that are innervated by the sympathetic nervous system
Arteriosclerosis
A pathologic condition in which the arterial walls become thickened and inelastic
Ascending aorta
The first of three portions of the aorta; originates from the left ventricle and gives rise to two branches, the right and left main coronary artery
Atherosclerosis
A disorder characterized by the formation of plaques of material, mostly lipids and cholesterol, on the inner arterial walls
Atria
The upper chambers of the heart; they receive blood returning to the heart
Atrioventricular (AV) node
A specialized structure located in the AV junction that slows conduction through the AV junction
Atrioventricular valves
the mitral and tricuspid valve through which blood flows from the atria to the ventricles
Automaticity
A state in which the cardiac cells are at rest, waiting for the generation of a spontaneous impulse from within
Axillary vein
The vein that is formed from the combination of the basilisc and cephalic vein; it drains into the subclavian vein
B cells
Lymphocytes that produce and secrete antibodies that bind and destroy foreign antigens
Baroreceptors
Receptors in the blood vessels, kidneys, brain, and heart that respond to changes in pressure in the heart or main arteries to help maintain homeostasis
Basilar artery
The artery that is formed when the left and right vertebral arteries unite after entering the brain through the foramen Magnum
Basilic vein
One of the two major veins of the arm; it combined with the cephalic vein to form the axillary vein
Basophils
White blood cells that work to produce chemical mediators doing an immune response; make up approximately 1% of Leukocytes
beta effect
Stimulation of beta receptors that result in increased inotropic, dromotropic, and chronotropic states
Bilirubin
A waste product of red blood cell destruction that undergoes further metabolism in the liver
Blood
The fluid tissue that is pumped by the heart through the arteries, veins, and capillaries and consist of plasma and formed elements or cells, such as the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
Bruit
An abnormal whooshing sound indicating turbulent bloodflow within a narrowed blood vessel; usually heard in the carotid arteries
Bundle of His
The portion of the electric conduction system in the interventricular septum that conducts the depolarizing impulse from the atrioventricular junction to the right and left bundle branches
Capillaries
Thin walled vessels that allow oxygen and nutrients to pass out into the cells and allow carbon dioxide and waste products to pass from the cells into the capillaries
Cardiac conduction system
A group of complex electrical tissues within the heart that initiate and transmit stimuli that results in contractions of myocardial tissue
Cardiac cycle
A heartbeat; each cardiac cycle consists of ventricular contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole)
Cardiac output
The amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate per minute
Cardiac tamponade
Restriction of cardiac contraction, failing cardiac output, and shock, caused by the accumulation of fluid or blood in the pericardium
Cardiac veins
Veins that branch out and drain blood from the myocardial capillaries to join the coronary sinus
Carotid bifurcation
The point of division at which the common carotid artery branches at the angle of the mandible into the internal and external carotid arteries
carotid canals
An opening in the cranial vault through which the carotid artery enter
carotid sinus
A slight dilation in the carotid bifurcation that contains structures that are important in the regulation of blood pressure
Cephalic vein
One of the two major veins of the arm that combine to form the axillary vein
Cerebellum
The part of the brain that is located dorsal to the pons and is responsible for coordination and balance
Cerebral arteries
The arteries that supply blood to large portions of the cerebral cortex of the brain
Chemoreceptors
Sense organs that monitor the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the pH of the Cerebrospinal fluid and blood and provide feedback to the respiratory centers to modify the rate and depth of breathing based on the body’s needs at any given time
Chordae tendineae
Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attaches to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting
Chronotropic effect
The effect on the rate of contraction of the heart
Circle of Willis
An interconnection of the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries and the anterior communicating artery, which forms an important source of collateral circulation to the brain
Circulatory system
The complex arrangement of tubes, including the arteries, arterials, capillaries, venues, and veins, that moves blood, oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and cellular waste throughout the body
Circumflex coronary artery and
One of the two branches of the left main coronary artery
Coagulation
The formation of a blood clot
Conductivity
The ability of cardiac cells to conduct electrical impulses
Contractility
the strength of heart muscle contraction
Coronary arteries
Arteries that arise from the aorta shortly after it leaves the left ventricle and supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients
Coronary artery disease
The condition that results when either atherosclerosis or Arteriosclerosis is present in the arterial walls of the heart
Coronary sinus
Veins that collect blood that is returning from the walls of the heart
Cusps
The flaps that comprise the heart valves
Depolarization
The rapid movement of electrolytes across a cell membrane that changes the cells overall charge. This rapid shifting of electrolytes and cellular charges is that main catalyst for muscle contraction and neurotransmitters
Descending aorta
One of the three portions of the aorta; it is the longest portion and extends through the thorax and abdomen into the pelvis
Diapedesis
A process whereby Leukocytes leave blood vessels to move toward tissue where they are needed most
Dorsalis pedis artery
The continuation of the anterior tibial artery at the foot
Dromotropic effect
Related to the effect of the hearts conduction rate
Ejection fraction
The percentage of blood that leaves the heart each time it contracts
Electrical potential
An electrical charge difference that is created by the difference in sodium and potassium concentration across the cell membrane at any given time
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A graphic recording of the electrical activity of the heart
embolus
Piece of cloth that travels from one part of the body to another, potentially becoming an obstruction to bloodflow
Endocarditis
Inflection of a heart valve
Eosinophils
White blood cells with a major role in allergic reactions bronchoconstriction during an asthma attack; makes up approximately 1% to 3% of Leukocytes
Epicardium
The layer of the serous pericardium that lies closely against the heart; also called visceral pericardium
Epinephrine
A hormone produced by the adrenal Medulla that has a vital role in the function of the sympathetic nervous system
Erythroblastosis Fetalis
A serious condition that results when a pregnant woman’s blood type incompatible with the fetus’ blood type and anti-bodies from the mother answered the fetal circulation and destroy the fetuses red blood cells
Erythrocytes
Disk shaped cells that carry oxygen to the tissues; also known as red blood cells
Excitability
A property of cardiac cells that provides the cells with the ability to respond to electrical impulses
Erythropoiesis
The process by which red blood cells are made
Femoral arteries
The principal arteries of the thigh, a continuation of the external iliac artery. They supply circulation to the thigh, external genitalia, anterior abdominal wall, and knee
Femoral vein
A continuation of the saphenous vein the drains into the external iliac vein
Fibrin
A white insoluble protein formed from fibrinogen in the clotting process
Fibrinogen
A plasma protein that is important for blood coagulation
Foramen ovale
An opening between the two atria that is present in the fetus but closes shortly after birth
Fossa ovalis
A depression between the right and left atria that indicate where the foramen ovale had been located in the fetus
Granulocytes
A type of leukocytes that has large cytoplasmic granules that are easily seen with a simple light microscope
Heart
A hollow muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body
Hematocrit
The percentage of blood volume made up by red blood cells
Hematopoiesis
The process of blood so production in the bone marrow; also called hemopoiesis
Hemoglobin
And iron containing protein within red blood cells that has the ability to bind to oxygen
Hemostasis
Control of bleeding by formation of a blood clot
Heparin
A substance found in large amounts and basophils that inhibits blood clotting
Hepatic portal system
A specialized part of the venous system that drain the blood from the liver, stomach, intestines, and spleen
Hepatic vein
The veins to which blood empties after liver cells in the sinusoids of the liver extract nutrients, filter the blood, and metabolize the various drugs
Histamine
A chemical found in mast cells that, when released, causes vasodilation, capillary leaking, and bronchiole constriction
Inferior vena cava
One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the lower extremities and the pelvic and the abdominal organs to the heart
Inotropic effect
The effect on the contractility of muscle tissue, especially cardiac muscle
Ischemia
Insufficient oxygen at a particular tissue site often associated with obstruction of arterial blood flow to the site
Jaundice
A yellowing of the skin and the sclera of the eyes because of excessive concentration of bilirubin in the blood
Jugular vein
The two main things that drain the head and neck
Leukemia
A cancerous condition in which certain white blood cell lines begin to grow abnormally fast and invade other tissues
Leukocytes
White blood cells that are responsible for fighting infection
Lumen
The inside of an artery, vein, or other hollow structure
Lymphocytes
white blood cells responsible for a large part of the body’s immune protection
Macrophages
Cells that develop from the monocytes that provide some of the body’s first line of defense in the inflammatory process
Mast cells
Cells to which anti-bodies attached, formed in response to allergens. When allergens attach to antigens on the mast cell surface, the cells release potent inflammatory mediators resulting in an allergic symptoms or potentially anaphylaxis
Mediastinum
The space between the lungs, in the center of the chest, that contains the heart, trachea, mainstem bronchi, part of the esophagus, and large blood vessels
Mesenteric angina
Pain caused by partial occlusion of the mesenteric artery from atherosclerosis
Mitral valve
The valve in the heart that separates the left atrium from the left ventricle
Monocytes
Granulocytes that migrate out of the blood and into tissues in response to an infection
Murmur
An abnormal heart sound, heard as whooshing, indicating turbulent bloodflow within the heart
Myocardial infarction
Blockage of one or more of the arteries that supply oxygen to the heart, resulting in death to a portion of the myocardium
Myocardium
The heart muscle
Neutrophils
White blood cells that are one of the three types of granulocytes; they have multi-lobed nuclei that resemble a string of baseballs held together by a thin strands of thread; they destroy bacteria, antigen-antibody complexes, and foreign matter
Norepinephrine
A naturally occurring hormone with a greater stimulator effect on alpha receptors that also may be given as a cardiac drugs
P wave
The first wave in the ECG complex, representing depolarization of the atrium
Palmer arches
The two arches formed from the radial and ulnar vessels within the head, creating the superficial and deep palmar arches
Papillary muscles
Specialized muscles attach the ventricle to the cusps of the valves by muscular strands called chordae tendineae
Parietal layer
One of two layers of the serous pericardium; it is a separate from the visceral pericardium by a small amount of pericardial fluid
Pericardial effusion
A condition, often caused by trauma in which the pericardial sac fills with too much fluid, and impairing the heart’s ability to expand and contract properly
Pericardial fluid
A serous fluid that fills the space between the visceral pericardium and the parietal pericardium and helps to reduce friction
Pericardial sac
A thick, fibrous membrane that surrounds the heart; also called the pericardium
Pericardiocentesis
A life-saving procedure to correct cardiac Tampanade, in which a needle is inserted into the pericardial sac to remove excess fluid that is restricting the heart from expanding and contracting properly
Pericarditis
Infection or inflammation of the pericardial membranes, resulting in severe chest pain
Pericardium
A thick, fibrous membrane that surrounds the heart; also called the pericardial sac
Phlebitis
Inflammation of the wall of the vein, sometimes caused by an IV line, manifested by tenderness, redness, and slight edema along part of the length of the vein
Plasma
A sticky yellow fluid that carried blood cells and nutrients and transports cellular waste material to the organs of excretion; makes up 55% of the total blood volume
Plasma proteins
The most abundant solutes (dissolved substances) in the plasma
Plasmin
A naturally occurring clot-dissolving enzyme, usually present in the body in its inactive form, plasminogen
Platelets
Tiny, disk-shaped cell fragments that are much smaller than the red or white blood cells; they are essential in the initial formation of a blood clot, the mechanism that stops bleeding
Polarized state
The state of the resting cell, which normally has a net negative charge with respect to the outside of the cell
Pons
The mass of nerve fibers at the end of the Medela oblongata
Popliteal artery
A continuation of the femoral artery at the knee
Popliteal vein
The vein that forms when the anterior and posterior tibial vein unite at the knee
PR segment
The period between the beginning of the P wave (atrial depolarization) and the onset of the QRS complex (ventricular depolarization), signifying the time required for atrial depolarization and passage of the excitation impulse through the atrioventricular junction
Prothrombin
An alpha globulin made in the liver that is converted to thrombin
Pulmonary circuit
The venules and veins, which send deoxygenated blood to the lungs to receive oxygen and unload carbon dioxide
Pulmonary embolism
A blood clot or foreign matter trapped within the pulmonary circulation
Pulmonary valve
The semi lunar valve that regulates blood flow between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery
QRS complex
Deflections of the ECG produced by ventricular depolarization
Raynaud phenomenon
Spasms the developed in the digital arteries, particularly following emotional stress or cold exposure, resulting in white and cool fingertips
Red blood cells
Cells that transfer gases, including oxygen; also called erythrocytes
Relative refractory period
The latter phase of repolarization in which the cells are able to respond to a stronger than normal stimulus
Repolarization
The process by which ions are moved across the cell wall to return to a polarized state.
Rheumatic fever
An inflammatory disease caused by streptococcal bacterial infection that can cause a stenosis of the mitral valve or aortic valve
Saphenous vein
The longest vein in the body, it drains the leg, thigh, and dorsum of the foot
Semi lunar valves
The two valves, the aortic and pulmonic valves, that divide the heart from the aorta and pulmonary artery
Septum
A solid, wall-like structure that separates the left atrium and ventricle from the right atrium and ventricle
Serous pericardium
The inner membrane of the pericardium, which contains two layers called the visceral pericardium and the parietal pericardium
Sinoatrial (SA) node
The dominant pacemaker of the heart, located at the junction of the superior Vena cava and the right atrium
Sinusoids
A part of the hepatic portal system in which blood collects within the liver and the liver cells extract nutrients from the blood, filter the blood, and metabolize various drugs.
Sodium-potassium pump
A molecular (ion-transporting) mechanism whereby sodium is actively moves out of a cell and potassium moved in
ST Segment
The interval between the end of the QRS complex and the beginning of the T wave; often elevated or depressed with respect to the isoelectric line when there is significant myocardial ischemia.
Stroke volume
The volume of blood pumped forward with each ventricular contraction
Subclavian artery
The proximal part of the main artery of the arm, which supplied the brain, neck, anterior chest wall, and shoulder.
Subclavian vein
The proximal part of the main vein of the arm, which unites with the internal jugular vein and terminates at the superior vena cava.
Superior vena cava
One of the two largest veins in the body; carries blood from the upper extremities, head, neck, and chest into the heart
Systemic circuit
The arteries and arterioles, which send oxygenated blood and nutrients to the body cells while removing wastes
Systole
The period of time when the atria or ventricles are contracting; also called atrial or ventricular systole.
T cells
Lymphocytes that interact directly with antigens, producing the cellular immune response; they also stimulate the B lymphocytes to produce antibodies.
T wave
The upright, flat, or inverted wave following the QRS complex of the ECG, representing ventricular repolarization.
Thrombi
Blood clots
Thrombin
An enzyme that causes the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, which binds to the platelet plug, forming the final mature clot.
Thrombocytes
Incomplete cells important in blood clotting; also called platelets
Tibial veins
A continuation of the veins of the feet that unite at the knee to form the popliteal vein, which then drains into the femoral vein.
Tissue plasminogen activator
An important element of the fibrinolytic system; causes clots that have already formed to lyse or be disrupted; works by converting plasminogen to plasmin
Tricuspid valve
The heart valve that separates the right atrium from the right ventricle
Tunica media
The middle and thickest layer of tissue of a blood vessel wall, composed of elastic tissue and smooth muscle cells that allow the vessel to expand or contract in response to changes in blood pressure and tissue demand.
Vasoconstriction
The contraction of blood vessels, which decreases their diameter
Vasodilation
The relaxation of blood vessels, which increases their diameter
Vasospasm
The action of a muscle contraction in a small blood vessel that occurs after it is cut or broken; this action can completely close the end of a severed vessel.
Veins
The blood vessel that brings blood back to the heart.
Venous sinuses
Spaces between the membranes surrounding the brain that are the primary means of venous drainage from the brain.
Ventricles
The two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out of the heart.
Venules
Microscopic vessels that link capillaries to veins.
Visceral layer
The layer of the serous pericardium that lies closely against the heart; also called the epicardium
White blood cells
Cells that protect the body against disease, particularly infectious disease; also called Leukocytes
