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Biology > Circulatory Systems > Flashcards

Circulatory Systems Flashcards

1
Q

What do all animals need for survival?

A

Oxygen and nutrients

Waste products must also be removed.

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2
Q

What type of circulatory system is found in small animals like arthropods?

A

Open circulatory system

In this system, blood flows freely over tissues through a haemocoel.

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3
Q

How does blood flow in an open circulatory system?

A

Freely over tissues, through an open cavity

Blood flows slowly at low pressure.

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4
Q

What type of circulatory system is found in complex animals, including vertebrates?

A

Closed circulatory system

Blood flows continuously in a system of vessels.

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5
Q

What are the main types of vessels in a closed circulatory system?

A

Arteries, veins, and capillaries

Blood leaves the heart under pressure into arteries.

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6
Q

What is one advantage of a closed circulatory system?

A

Blood can be circulated at a higher pressure

This allows for quicker flow to different body parts.

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7
Q

How can blood flow be controlled in a closed circulatory system?

A

By dilating or constricting blood vessels

This directs blood to areas where it is most needed.

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8
Q

What is single circulation?

A

A system where the heart is a single pump that only pumps deoxygenated blood

Found in organisms like fish and earthworms.

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9
Q

How does blood circulate in fish during single circulation?

A

Pumped to gills for oxygen, then to the rest of the body

Blood returns to the heart after circulating.

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10
Q

What is double circulation?

A

A system where the heart acts as a double pump

Found in birds and mammals, allowing for efficient oxygen delivery.

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11
Q

What happens to blood after it circulates around the body in double circulation?

A

It is pumped to the lungs to absorb oxygen

Blood then returns to a different side of the heart.

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12
Q

What is the purpose of double circulation?

A

To maintain a high rate of oxygen-rich blood for high levels of activity

This is essential for the metabolic demands of birds and mammals.

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13
Q

What are the two main types of circulation in the human circulatory system?

A

Systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation

Systemic circulation delivers oxygen to the body, while pulmonary circulation transports blood to the lungs for oxygenation.

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14
Q

What are the two sides of the heart called?

A

Left side and right side

Each side of the heart has specific functions in the circulatory system.

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15
Q

What are the four chambers of the heart?

A

Left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, right ventricle

The left atrium and ventricle contain oxygenated blood, while the right atrium and ventricle contain deoxygenated blood.

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16
Q

What is the function of valves in the circulatory system?

A

Ensure blood flows forwards and prevent backflow

Valves are crucial for maintaining the direction of blood flow in the heart and veins.

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17
Q

What causes high pressure in the circulatory system?

A

Pumping action of the heart, contraction of skeletal muscles, inhalation movements

These factors contribute to the movement of blood from high pressure to low pressure areas.

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18
Q

Fill in the blank: The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs via the _______.

A

Pulmonary artery

This is part of the pulmonary circulatory loop.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body via the _______.

A

Aorta

This is part of the systemic circulatory loop.

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20
Q

Where is the human heart located?

A

In the thoracic cavity above the diaphragm and between the lungs

The heart is protected by the ribs and sternum.

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21
Q

What is the pericardium?

A

A double walled membrane that encloses the heart

The pericardium provides protection and support to the heart.

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22
Q

What is the myocardium?

A

The actual heart muscle layer made up of cardiac muscle tissue

The myocardium is responsible for the contraction of the heart.

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23
Q

True or False: The upper end of the heart is narrower than the lower end.

A

False

The upper end of the heart is wider than the lower end, which points down and to the left.

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24
Q

What type of circulatory system does the human heart have?

A

Double circulatory system

It consists of two separate pumps for pulmonary and systemic circulation.

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25
Q

What is the function of the right side of the human heart?

A

Pumps oxygen-depleted blood to the lungs

This process is known as pulmonary circulation.

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26
Q

What is the function of the left side of the human heart?

A

Pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body

This process is known as systemic circulation.

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27
Q

What is the role of the atrium in the heart?

A

Receives blood before it is pumped into the ventricle

The plural of atrium is atria.

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28
Q

What happens to the heart valves during a heartbeat?

A

They open and close to ensure one-way blood flow

Valves react to the different blood pressures on each side.

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29
Q

How many heart valves are there?

A

Four heart valves

Additionally, there are many valves found in the veins.

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30
Q

What is the tricuspid valve?

A

Valve between the right atrium and ventricle

It helps regulate blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.

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31
Q

What is the bicuspid valve also known as?

A

Mitral valve

It is located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

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32
Q

What are the two semilunar valves in the heart?

A

Pulmonary and aortic valves

These valves are located at the exits of the right and left ventricles.

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33
Q

What are the main types of blood vessels in the circulatory system?

A

Arteries, veins, capillaries

Small arteries and veins are called arterioles and venules respectively.

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34
Q

What is the inner cell layer of blood vessels called?

A

Endothelium

It lines the interior surface of circulatory vessels.

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35
Q

What is unique about the endothelium in capillaries?

A

It is a single layer of squamous cells

This structure forms a barrier between vessels and tissue.

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36
Q

What do arteries do?

A

Carry blood away from the heart

Blood in arteries is under high pressure as it is pumped by the heart.

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37
Q

What structural features allow arteries to withstand high pressure?

A

Thick muscular walls, elastic fibers, narrow lumen

These features enable arteries to stretch under pressure and maintain blood flow.

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38
Q

What is the function of smooth muscle fibers in arteries?

A

Contract to push blood along

This contraction helps maintain blood flow.

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39
Q

What do veins do?

A

Carry blood back to the heart

Blood in veins is at a much lower pressure compared to arteries.

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40
Q

How do the structural features of veins differ from those of arteries?

A

Wider and thinner walls

Veins do not need to withstand high pressure like arteries.

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41
Q

What are capillaries?

A

Very narrow thin blood vessels

Capillaries are the site of exchange for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients.

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42
Q

What is the primary function of capillaries?

A

Exchange of substances

They allow diffusion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients due to their thin walls.

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43
Q

What is blood composed of?

A

Blood plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets

Each component has distinct roles in the circulatory system.

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44
Q

What is plasma?

A

Light yellow liquid that carries water, salts, and enzymes

Plasma transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

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45
Q

What role does plasma play in the body?

A

Transports nutrients and removes waste

It carries all blood components through the circulatory system.

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46
Q

What are red blood cells also known as?

A

Erythrocytes

They are typically biconcave discs without a nucleus.

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47
Q

What is the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

A

Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide

Hemoglobin gives red blood cells their color.

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48
Q

What are white blood cells also known as?

A

Leucocytes

They are involved in the immune response.

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49
Q

What is the primary function of white blood cells?

A

Protect the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders

They are produced from stem cells in the bone marrow.

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50
Q

What are platelets?

A

Tiny cell fragments that help form clots

They are crucial for stopping bleeding when blood vessels are damaged.

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51
Q

What happens when a blood vessel is damaged?

A

Platelets rush to the site and form a clot

This process helps to fix the damage and prevent excessive bleeding.

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52
Q

Fill in the blank: Capillaries are only ______ thick.

A

one squamous endothelial cell

This structure allows for efficient diffusion of substances.

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53
Q

What is the function of lymph vessels?

A

Transport body fluid called lymph

Lymph vessels are part of the lymphatic system, which works alongside the circulatory system.

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54
Q

Name the three important body fluids involved in the circulatory system.

A
  • Blood plasma
  • Tissue fluid
  • Lymph

Each fluid has a distinct role in the body’s circulatory and lymphatic systems.

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55
Q

What is blood plasma?

A

Part of the blood in blood vessels

Blood plasma is responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen.

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56
Q

What is tissue fluid?

A

The fluid between cells of the body tissues

Tissue fluid is derived from blood plasma and contains both nutrients and waste.

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57
Q

What is lymph?

A

The fluid found in the lymphatic vessels

Lymph is typically rich in waste products.

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58
Q

How does tissue fluid relate to lymph?

A

Excess tissue fluid drains into lymph capillaries to become lymph

This process helps maintain fluid balance in the body.

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59
Q

What distinguishes blood plasma, tissue fluid, and lymph?

A

Their locations and contents

Blood plasma is rich in oxygen and nutrients, tissue fluid contains nutrients and wastes, and lymph is rich in waste products.

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60
Q

What role do lymph nodes play in the lymphatic system?

A

Filter lymph and remove microorganisms and foreign bodies

Lymph nodes are critical for immune function.

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61
Q

Where are groups of lymph nodes located in the body?

A
  • Neck
  • Under the arms
  • Chest
  • Abdomen
  • Groin

These locations are strategic for filtering lymph throughout the body.

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62
Q

What is the function of the spleen in the lymphatic system?

A

Filters worn-out red blood cells and produces white blood cells (lymphocytes)

The spleen plays a key role in immune response and blood filtration.

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63
Q

What are tonsils?

A

Masses of lymphoid tissue in the throat region that help to fight infection

Tonsils are part of the immune system and act as the first line of defense against pathogens.

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64
Q

How does lymph return to the circulatory system?

A

Main lymphatic vessels empty lymph back into the subclavian veins via lymphatic ducts

This process allows lymph to re-enter the blood circulation as blood plasma.

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65
Q

What is the function of lymph vessels?

A

Transport body fluid called lymph

Lymph vessels are part of the lymphatic system, which works alongside the circulatory system.

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66
Q

Name the three important body fluids involved in the circulatory system.

A
  • Blood plasma
  • Tissue fluid
  • Lymph

Each fluid has a distinct role in the body’s circulatory and lymphatic systems.

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67
Q

What is blood plasma?

A

Part of the blood in blood vessels

Blood plasma is responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen.

68
Q

What is tissue fluid?

A

The fluid between cells of the body tissues

Tissue fluid is derived from blood plasma and contains both nutrients and waste.

69
Q

What is lymph?

A

The fluid found in the lymphatic vessels

Lymph is typically rich in waste products.

70
Q

How does tissue fluid relate to lymph?

A

Excess tissue fluid drains into lymph capillaries to become lymph

This process helps maintain fluid balance in the body.

71
Q

What distinguishes blood plasma, tissue fluid, and lymph?

A

Their locations and contents

Blood plasma is rich in oxygen and nutrients, tissue fluid contains nutrients and wastes, and lymph is rich in waste products.

72
Q

What role do lymph nodes play in the lymphatic system?

A

Filter lymph and remove microorganisms and foreign bodies

Lymph nodes are critical for immune function.

73
Q

Where are groups of lymph nodes located in the body?

A
  • Neck
  • Under the arms
  • Chest
  • Abdomen
  • Groin

These locations are strategic for filtering lymph throughout the body.

74
Q

What is the function of the spleen in the lymphatic system?

A

Filters worn-out red blood cells and produces white blood cells (lymphocytes)

The spleen plays a key role in immune response and blood filtration.

75
Q

What are tonsils?

A

Masses of lymphoid tissue in the throat region that help to fight infection

Tonsils are part of the immune system and act as the first line of defense against pathogens.

76
Q

How does lymph return to the circulatory system?

A

Main lymphatic vessels empty lymph back into the subclavian veins via lymphatic ducts

This process allows lymph to re-enter the blood circulation as blood plasma.

77
Q

What is the cardiac cycle?

A

Involves all the changes taking place in the heart during one heart beat (0.8 sec)

The cardiac cycle consists of phases of contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle.

78
Q

What occurs during systole?

A

Cardiac muscle contracting and forcing blood out of the heart

Systole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscles contract.

79
Q

What occurs during diastole?

A

Cardiac muscle relaxing and blood flowing into the heart chambers

Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscles relax.

80
Q

What happens during atrial systole?

A

The atria filled with blood contract, forcing open the tricuspid and bicuspid valves

This phase lasts for 0.1 seconds and allows blood to flow into the ventricles.

81
Q

What happens during ventricular systole?

A

The ventricles contract simultaneously, forcing shut the tricuspid and bicuspid valves

This phase lasts for 0.3 seconds and blood is forced into the arteries through the semilunar valves.

82
Q

What occurs during general diastole?

A

The ventricles and atria relax, drawing blood into them from the veins

This phase lasts for 0.4 seconds and involves the opening of the tricuspid and bicuspid valves.

83
Q

What causes the ‘lub’ sound of the heart?

A

The tricuspid and bicuspid valves being forced shut at the start of ventricular systole

The ‘lub’ sound indicates the beginning of ventricular contraction.

84
Q

What causes the ‘dub’ sound of the heart?

A

The semilunar valves being forced closed at the start of general diastole

The ‘dub’ sound indicates the beginning of the relaxation phase.

85
Q

Fill in the blank: The cardiac cycle lasts approximately _______.

A

0.8 sec

This duration encompasses all phases of the heart’s activity.

86
Q

True or False: The tricuspid and bicuspid valves are open during ventricular systole.

A

False

These valves are forced shut during ventricular systole.

87
Q

What prevents blood from flowing back into the ventricles from the arteries?

A

Semilunar valves

These valves close during diastole to prevent backflow.

88
Q

What property does cardiac muscle have that allows it to contract and relax without external stimuli?

A

Automatism

This property enables the heart to function independently of external signals.

89
Q

What is the function of the sino-atrial (SA) node?

A

Initiates impulses and acts as the pacemaker

Located in the wall of the atria, it is the primary site for heartbeat initiation.

90
Q

What happens when impulses spread from the SA node?

A

The atria contract simultaneously

This coordinated contraction is essential for effective blood flow into the ventricles.

91
Q

What role does the atrio-ventricular (AV) node play in the cardiac mechanism?

A

Relays impulses into the ventricles

Located in the lower septum between the atria, it ensures proper timing of ventricular contraction.

92
Q

What is the Bundle of His?

A

Special muscle tissue conducting impulses from atria to ventricles

It extends from the septum through the ventricles.

93
Q

What are Purkinje fibers?

A

Fibers that conduct impulses throughout the ventricles

They allow for simultaneous contraction of the ventricles.

94
Q

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

A

A test that evaluates the electrical activity of the heart

It is performed using electrodes placed on the skin.

95
Q

What are common reasons for having an ECG?

A
  • To look for the cause of chest pain
  • To identify irregular heartbeats
  • To help determine the overall health of the heart

These reasons highlight its diagnostic importance.

96
Q

What controls the rate of heartbeats?

A

The nervous system and hormones

The medulla oblongata sends impulses that can speed up or slow down the heartbeat.

97
Q

What is the maximum heart rate during strenuous exercise?

A

About 200 beats per minute

This indicates the heart’s capacity to increase output during physical activity.

98
Q

What effect does adrenaline have on the heartbeat?

A

Increases the heartbeat

Released during stress, it prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.

99
Q

What is the function of thyroxine in relation to heart rate?

A

Controls basal metabolism and generally increases heart rate

Higher levels of thyroxine lead to a faster heart rate.

100
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for initiating the heartbeat.

A

sino-atrial (SA) node

This structure is crucial for starting the electrical impulses that trigger heart contractions.

101
Q

What is the pulse?

A

The regular contraction and relaxation of an artery in sync with the heart’s pumping action

The pulse can be felt where an artery lies close to the surface, such as in your wrist and neck.

102
Q

Where can you feel your pulse?

A

Wrist (radial artery) and neck (carotid artery)

These locations are common for measuring the pulse rate.

103
Q

How do you measure your pulse rate?

A

Count the number of beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4

Alternatively, count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 or for 10 seconds and multiply by 6.

104
Q

What happens to respiration during exercise?

A

More respiration occurs in the muscles to release more energy

This leads to increased carbon dioxide release into the blood.

105
Q

What do receptors in the carotid arteries detect during exercise?

A

The increase in carbon dioxide

These receptors send nerve impulses to the brain.

106
Q

What is the role of sympathetic nerve fibers during exercise?

A

They transmit impulses to the SA node, accelerating the heartbeat

This helps pump blood faster to release carbon dioxide and supply oxygen to muscles.

107
Q

What is the effect of regular exercise on a person’s resting pulse rate?

A

The resting pulse rate decreases, potentially as low as 40-60 beats/minute

A fitter person has a lower resting heart rate.

108
Q

What happens to the cardiac muscle with regular exercise?

A

It becomes stronger and pumps more blood with each heartbeat

This reduces the number of beats needed to pump the same amount of blood.

109
Q

What should moderate exercise cause?

A

Mild to moderate sweating and faster breathing

This is an indication of increased physical activity.

110
Q

What indicates vigorous exercise?

A

Hard breathing requiring pauses for breath after a few words

This level of exertion suggests a high intensity of exercise.

111
Q

What symptoms should prompt you to stop exercising and seek medical help?

A

Breathing problems, chest pain, severe muscle or joint pain, dizziness, extreme sweating, extreme fatigue

These symptoms indicate potential health risks.

112
Q

What is blood pressure?

A

The force of blood on the walls of blood vessels

It is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury).

113
Q

What is systolic pressure?

A

The maximum pressure when the ventricles contract

This reflects the highest point of blood pressure in the circulatory system.

114
Q

What is diastolic pressure?

A

The resting pressure during diastole

This indicates the lowest point of blood pressure in the circulatory cycle.

115
Q

How is blood pressure measured?

A

Using a sphygmomanometer

A column of mercury indicates the pressure.

116
Q

What is considered normal resting blood pressure?

A

120/80 mmHg

This is a standard benchmark for healthy blood pressure.

117
Q

What is the pulse?

A

The regular contraction and relaxation of an artery in sync with the heart’s pumping action

The pulse can be felt where an artery lies close to the surface, such as in your wrist and neck.

118
Q

Where can you feel your pulse?

A

Wrist (radial artery) and neck (carotid artery)

These locations are common for measuring the pulse rate.

119
Q

How do you measure your pulse rate?

A

Count the number of beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4

Alternatively, count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 or for 10 seconds and multiply by 6.

120
Q

What happens to respiration during exercise?

A

More respiration occurs in the muscles to release more energy

This leads to increased carbon dioxide release into the blood.

121
Q

What do receptors in the carotid arteries detect during exercise?

A

The increase in carbon dioxide

These receptors send nerve impulses to the brain.

122
Q

What is the role of sympathetic nerve fibers during exercise?

A

They transmit impulses to the SA node, accelerating the heartbeat

This helps pump blood faster to release carbon dioxide and supply oxygen to muscles.

123
Q

What is the effect of regular exercise on a person’s resting pulse rate?

A

The resting pulse rate decreases, potentially as low as 40-60 beats/minute

A fitter person has a lower resting heart rate.

124
Q

What happens to the cardiac muscle with regular exercise?

A

It becomes stronger and pumps more blood with each heartbeat

This reduces the number of beats needed to pump the same amount of blood.

125
Q

What should moderate exercise cause?

A

Mild to moderate sweating and faster breathing

This is an indication of increased physical activity.

126
Q

What indicates vigorous exercise?

A

Hard breathing requiring pauses for breath after a few words

This level of exertion suggests a high intensity of exercise.

127
Q

What symptoms should prompt you to stop exercising and seek medical help?

A

Breathing problems, chest pain, severe muscle or joint pain, dizziness, extreme sweating, extreme fatigue

These symptoms indicate potential health risks.

128
Q

What is blood pressure?

A

The force of blood on the walls of blood vessels

It is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury).

129
Q

What is systolic pressure?

A

The maximum pressure when the ventricles contract

This reflects the highest point of blood pressure in the circulatory system.

130
Q

What is diastolic pressure?

A

The resting pressure during diastole

This indicates the lowest point of blood pressure in the circulatory cycle.

131
Q

How is blood pressure measured?

A

Using a sphygmomanometer

A column of mercury indicates the pressure.

132
Q

What is considered normal resting blood pressure?

A

120/80 mmHg

This is a standard benchmark for healthy blood pressure.

133
Q

What is hypertension commonly referred to as?

A

The silent killer

Hypertension is often termed the silent killer due to its asymptomatic nature.

134
Q

What are some common causes of hypertension?

A
  • Medication
  • Disease
  • Stress
  • Lack of exercise
  • Poor nutrition

These factors can contribute to the development of high blood pressure.

135
Q

What symptoms can hypotension cause?

A

Dizziness and weakness

Low blood pressure can lead to feelings of lightheadedness and fatigue.

136
Q

What is a stroke?

A

A disturbance of the blood supply to the brain

A stroke results in a loss of brain function due to disrupted oxygen supply.

137
Q

What are common symptoms of a stroke?

A
  • Paralysis of one or more limbs
  • Speech impairment
  • Affected vision

These symptoms can vary in severity and are often one-sided.

138
Q

What can a stroke lead to if not treated quickly?

A

Permanent neurological damage and death

Timely treatment is critical to minimize long-term effects of a stroke.

139
Q

What are some risk factors for stroke?

A
  • Advanced age
  • Genetics
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol

These factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.

140
Q

What is atherosclerosis?

A

Plaque buildup on the insides of blood vessels

This condition narrows arteries and restricts blood flow.

141
Q

What happens when the blood supply to the cardiac muscle is disrupted?

A

Death of the muscle tissue due to insufficient oxygen

This can lead to serious cardiac events, such as heart attacks.

142
Q

What is coronary thrombosis?

A

A blood clot forming in the coronary artery

This can obstruct blood flow to the heart muscle.

143
Q

What is coronary embolism?

A

A blood clot that forms elsewhere and travels to the coronary artery

This can also cause blockage in the coronary arteries.

144
Q

What is the purpose of medication used to dissolve blood clots?

A

To dissolve blood clots

145
Q

What is the function of blood-thinning medication?

A

To prevent new clots

146
Q

What type of medication is used to control blood pressure?

A

Medication for blood pressure control

147
Q

What are statins?

A

A class of drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol levels

148
Q

How much can statins reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from heart disease?

A

By about 25% to 35%

149
Q

What is angioplasty?

A

A procedure to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries

150
Q

What is a stent?

A

A small, metal mesh tube that expands inside a coronary artery

151
Q

When is a stent placed during an angioplasty?

A

During or immediately after the procedure

152
Q

What is the purpose of a bypass operation?

A

To restore blood flow to the heart by providing an alternate route

153
Q

What materials are used in a bypass operation?

A

Arteries or veins from elsewhere in the body

154
Q

What happens during a heart transplant?

A

The unhealthy heart is removed and replaced with a healthy heart

155
Q

From where does the replacement heart for a transplant come?

A

From a donor who is dead or brain dead

156
Q

What is required for the recipient of a heart transplant regarding the donor?

A

A close tissue match

157
Q

What must heart transplant recipients take for the rest of their lives?

A

Special medication to prevent organ rejection

158
Q

When was the world’s first heart transplant performed?

159
Q

Who performed the world’s first heart transplant?

A

Professor Christian Barnard

160
Q

Fill in the blank: Statins help prevent heart attacks and _______.

161
Q

True or False: A stent is used to remove blockages in arteries.

162
Q

What is lymphedema?

A

Poor circulation of the lymph in lymphatic vessels leading to excess tissue fluid in the body’s tissues, commonly resulting in swelling of the legs and feet (oedema)

Lymphedema often occurs in the lower part of the legs.

163
Q

What causes elephantiasis?

A

Typically caused by a parasitic worm that prevents lymph circulation

Elephantiasis is a chronic condition that leads to permanent swelling and skin thickening.

164
Q

What are the main characteristics of elephantiasis?

A

Gross enlargement of affected areas, especially limbs, and thickening of the surrounding skin

Other areas that can be affected include the external genitals.

165
Q

True or False: Elephantiasis can be caused by mosquito-spread parasites.

A

True

One type of parasite causing elephantiasis is transmitted by mosquitoes.

166
Q

Fill in the blank: Lymphedema results in swelling of the legs and feet, also known as _______.

A

oedema

Oedema is the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid.

Biology (7 decks)

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