Circulatory system Flashcards
What are the primary functions of the circulatory system?
It transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products; helps regulate body temperature and pH; and supports immune responses.
What is the primary pump of the circulatory system?
The heart.
What is the difference between systemic and pulmonary circulation?
Systemic circulation delivers oxygenated blood from the left heart to the body and returns deoxygenated blood to the right heart. Pulmonary circulation moves deoxygenated blood from the right heart to the lungs for oxygenation, then returns oxygen-rich blood to the left heart.
Name the four chambers of the heart.
The right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.
What is the role of the atria in the heart?
The atria receive blood returning to the heart: the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, and the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
What is the function of the ventricles?
The ventricles pump blood out of the heart. The right ventricle sends blood to the lungs, while the left ventricle pumps blood throughout the body.
What role do the cardiac valves play in heart function?
Cardiac valves (tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic) maintain unidirectional blood flow through the heart and prevent backflow.
What are the major components of blood?
Plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets.
What is the main function of red blood cells?
They transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
What role do white blood cells play in the circulatory system?
They are crucial for immune defense, fighting infections, and protecting the body against foreign invaders.
How do platelets contribute to the circulatory system?
Platelets are essential for blood clotting, helping to prevent excessive bleeding when injuries occur.
What are the three main types of blood vessels and their functions?
Arteries carry blood away from the heart under high pressure, veins return blood to the heart under lower pressure, and capillaries allow the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.
Why are capillaries important for tissue exchange?
Their thin walls facilitate the diffusion of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and cells.
What is coronary circulation?
Coronary circulation is the network of blood vessels that supplies the heart muscle (myocardium) with oxygen and nutrients.
How do the circulatory and respiratory systems work together?
The respiratory system oxygenates blood in the lungs, and the circulatory system transports the oxygen-rich blood to tissues while carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.
