circulatory system - blood vessels

Question 1

artery

Answer 1

• a blood vessel that carries blood AWAY from the heart
• thick and elastic walls for contractions

Question 2

arterioles

Answer 2

• small blood vessels that branch off arteries that also carry blood AWAY from the heart
  control blood pressure/flow throughout the entire body

Question 3

capillary

Answer 3

• a blood vessel that connects the arteries and the veins that exchange gases and fluids between the blood and cells

Question 4

autonomic nervous system

Answer 4

• part of the nervous system that controls the motor nerves that maintain equilibrium which regulate the diameter of arterioles
• ex. vasoconstriction/dilation

Question 5

vasoconstriction

Answer 5

• a reduction in the diameter of the blood vessel, decreasing blood flow and amount of oxygen to the tissues

Question 6

vasodilation

Answer 6

• an increase in the diameter of the blood vessel, increasing blood flow and amount of oxygen to the tissues

Question 7

veins

Answer 7

• a blood vessel that carries (deoxygenated) blood TOWARDS the heart, having a lower pressure than in the artery
• series of one-way valves to help venous blood flow

Question 8

pulse

Answer 8

• change in the diameter of arteries following heart contractions (followed by relaxation phase)

Question 9

atherosclerosis

Answer 9

• a gradual build-up of plaque in the arteries which causes the inner wall to accumulate fat and narrow the diameter
• reduces blood flow and oxygen

Question 10

aneurysm

Answer 10

• a bulge in the weakened wall of a blood vessel (usually an artery)
• thinner wall offers less support and eventually ruptures = less oxygen/nutrients being delivered to tissues = cell death
• can cause a stroke