Circulatory System Flashcards
Formed elements are produced from
Stem cells in red bone marrow
Erythrocytes
Red blood cells, modified for transport of oxygen. Most of this oxygen is bound to the pigmented protein hemoglobin.
Five types of leukocytes can be distinguished by
Size, appearance of the nucleus, staining properties, and presence or absence of visible cytoplasmic granules.
Leukocytes
White blood cells, active in phagocytosis and anti-body formation
Platelets
Active in the process of blood clotting.
Blood serves to
Transport oxygen and nutrients to body cells into carry away carbon dioxide and metabolic waste
Plasma contains
10% proteins, ions, nutrients, waste products, and hormones, which are dissolved or suspended in water
Heart
A double pump that sends blood to the lungs for oxygenation through the pulmonary circuit into the remainder of the body through the systemic circuit.
Ventricles
Tricuspid on the right side of the heart, bicuspid on the left
Myocardium
Heart muscle
Heart beat
Wave of electrical activity, measured on an ECG electrocardiogram
Systole
Contraction phase
Diastole
Relaxation phase
Vascular system includes
Arteries, veins, and the capillaries
Veins
Carry blood towards the heart
Arteries
Carry blood away from the heart
Capillaries
Small vessels where the exchanges take place between the blood and surrounding tissues, exchanging water, nutrients, and waste products.
Systemic arteries
Begin with the aorta, branches to all parts of the body, gets thinner the further away from the heart. Smallest arteries are called arterioles.
Walls of the arteries
Thick and elastic, carry blood under high-pressure.
Walls of the veins
Thinner and less elastic, carry blood under lower pressure.
Result from contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle in the arterial walls
Vasoconstriction and vasodilation (influence blood pressure and blood distribution to the tissues)
Whole blood consists of
55% plasma and 45% formed elements - erythrocytes (RBC), leukocytes (WBC), and platelets
