CVR Flashcards
What is the lifespan of an RBC?
100 -> 120 days.
How big is an RBC?
~ 7 x 2.2 um
What is the function of an RBC?
O2/CO2 carrier.
Describe some problems with RBCs.
- Anaemia-hypoxia.
- Polycythaemia (PRV)-
thrombosis. - Sickle cell disease.
Give corpuscular examples of anaemia.
Membrane, haemoglobin, and enzymes.
Give extra-corpuscular examples of anaemia.
Reduced production, increased destruction/loss, and redistribution.
What is the lifespan of a WBC?
Normally hours or days, some for years.
How big is a WBC?
7 -> 30 um (bigger than RBCs).
What is the function of a WBC?
Non-specific and specific immunity.
List some WBC abnormalities.
- Neutrophil leukocytosis/
neutropenia. - Eosinophilia/ eosinopenia.
- Basophilia.
- Monocytosis/
monocytopenia. - Lymphocytosis/
lymphopenia. - Myeloid malignancies.
- Lymphoid/ plasma cell
malignancies.
What is GVHD?
Graft-versus-host-disease.
WBCs in donated stem cells/bone marrow attack your own body cells, as it sees them as foreign.
What are BiTE molecules?
Molecules designed to form a bridge between cancer cells and cytotoxic T cells. Cytotoxic T cells are WBCs that can destroy other cells that pose a threat.
What is CAR-T therapy?
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Reprogramming patients T-cells to enable them to locate and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
What is the difference between humoral and cellular immunity?
B cells activate humoral, T cells activate cellular.
Humoral produces antigen specific antibodies, cellular does not depend on antibodies.
Describe lymphocyte maturation.
B cells mature in bone marrow.
T cells mature in thymus.
Mature cells enter the circulation and peripheral lymphoid organs surveying for pathogens or tumours.
What is haematopoiesis?
The formation of a wide variety of blood cellular components.
What is the lifespan of a platelet?
7 -> 10 days.
How big is a platelet?
2 -> 5 um.
Where are platelets found?
In bone-marrow blood.
What is the function of platelets?
Essential for blood clotting.
What makes up the structure of platelets?
Plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, dense tubular system, secretory granules (alpha, dense, lysosome, peroxisome).
What are the platelet activation stages?
Initiation, propagation, and stabilisation.
What are the two different types of bleeding?
- Platelet type: thrombocytopenia /thrombocy topathy.
- Haemophilia type : factor deficiency.
Describe the presentation/history of platelet type bleeding.
- History of skin and mucosal bleeding (gastrointestinal and genitourinary).
- Early post procedural bleeding (minutes).
- Petechial rash.
What can cause platelet-type bleeding?
- Medication reactions.
- Liver disease.
- Renal disease.
Describe the presentation/history of haemophilia-type bleeding.
- History of muscle/joint bleeding.
- Late post procedural bleeding (hours/days).
- Large suffusions, haematomas.
What can cause haemophilia type bleeding?
- Haemophilia A, B, C.
What is plasma? What % of blood volume can be attributed to it?
- Liquid component of blood, holding cellular elements in suspension.
- 55% of total blood volume.
What is plasma made up of?
- Water (up to 95%).
- Electrolytes.
- O2, CO2.
- Proteins: albumin, globulins, coagulation factors, transport proteins.
What is blood serum?
Blood plasma without clotting factors.
How is cryoprecipitate prepared?
FFP is thawed to 4 degrees celsius, the fibrinogen rich layer is skimmed off, and the precipitate is collected.
What does every cell in our body need?
- To be bathed in fluid.
- To be within 2mm of a source of oxygenation.
What are the four major types of blood group? What is the name of a rare variant?
- A, B, AB, O.
- Bombay subtype.
How many antigens are on the surface of an erythrocyte? How many of these are blood group antigens?
- Millions of antigens.
- Several hundred are blood group antigens.
Which blood group is the universal recipient?
AB.
Which blood group is the universal donor?
O.
What ages and what weights can donate blood?
17 -> 65 year olds.
Body weight: 50->158kg.
What are temporary blood transfusion exclusion criteria?
- Travel.
- Tattoos/body piercings.
- Lifestyle.
What are permanent blood transfusion exclusion criteria?
- Certain diseases.
- Received blood products or organ/tissue transplant since 1980.
- Notified at risk of vCJD.
Which tests are mandatory in blood donation?
- Hep B.
- Hep C.
- Hep E.
- HIV.
- Syphilis.
- HTLV.
- Groups and antibodies.
Which tests are sometimes done before blood donation?
- CMV.
- West Nile Virus.
- Malaria.
- Typanosoma.
How do antibodies against other ABO antigens occur?
Naturally, without ever being exposed to the other blood types - potently antigenic system.
Where does coding for ABO antigens occur? How?
- By genes on chromosome 9, one gene has 2 alleles: A and B (co-dominant), a different gene has just O alleles (recessive).
- The genes code for enzymes that produce the sugars that differentiate the blood groups.
What determines an individuals blood group?
Antigens on RBCs.
What is the similarity and difference between the ABO antigens?
- All have common H antigen.
- Different groups have different sugars added to the H antigen.
When do we develop ABO antibodies?
- First true ABO antibodies start developing at ~ 3 months old.
- Infants less than 3 months old have only maternal antibodies.
- Maximum concentration of ABO antibodies occurs between 5 -> 10 years old.
- Decreases with age.
- Mix of IgG and IgM types.
How many different Rh antigens are there?
More than 45.
Where does coding for Rh antigens occur? How?
- Genes on chromosome 1.
- RHD gene codes for Rh D
- RHCE gene codes for Rh C and Rh E.
How do antibodies against other Rh antigens occur?
Only have antibodies if exposed to the opposite type.
How does haemolytic diseases of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) occur?
- Rh+ father and Rh- mother.
- Develop anti-Rh antibodies in mothers bloodstream.
- Attacks second child if they are Rh+.
- Severe fetal anaemia and hydrops fetalis.
How is blood cross-matched?
Mix recipient serum with donor RBCs to check for either an exact match (A+ for A+) or compatible blood (O+/- for A+)
What is the difference between direct and indirect antiglobulin tests?
- Indirect = detects antibodies in patients serum.
- Direct = detects antibodies on patients RBCs.
When giving blood, what can you donate?
- Whole blood.
- Apheresis removes and externally separates blood - plasma, platelets.
Describe the storage of RBCs.
- Stored at 4 degrees celsius.
- Shelf life = 35 days.
- Some units irradiated to eliminate risk of GVHD.
Describe the storage of platelets.
- Stored at 22 degrees celsius.
- Shelf life = 7 days
- ## Most units pooled from 4 donations, some single-donor units.
Describe FFP.
- From whole donations of apheresis.
- Patients born > 1996 can only receive FFP from low vCJD risk (not UK).
- Single donor packs have variable amounts of clotting factors, pooled donations can be more standardised.
Describe immunoglobulin.
- Made from large pools of donor plasma.
- Normal and specific IVIg.
Describe granulocytes.
- Used very rarely.
- Effectiveness = controversial.
- Must be irradiated to kill T cells.
Describe factor concentrates.
- Single factor concentrates.
- Prothrombin complex concentrates.
What is an indication for RBCs?
Severe anaemia.
What is an indication for platelets?
Thrombocytopaenia.
What are 2 indications for FFP?
- Multiple clotting factor deficiencies and bleeding. (DIC)
- Some single clotting factor deficiencies where no concentrate available.
When is it appropriate to use cryoprecipitate?
- DIC with bleeding.
- Massive transfusion.
When is normal IVIg used?
To treat immune conditions e.g. ITP.
Give an example of use of a specific IVIg.
Anti D immunoglobulin used in pregnancy to neutralise any RhD positive antigens.
When is it appropriate to use granulocytes?
With severely neutropaenic patients with life threatening bacterial infections.
Give an example of the use of a single factor concentrate?
Factor VIII for severe haemophilia A.
Give an example of the use of prothrombin complex concentrates.
The rapid reversal of warfarin.
How can you provide the safe delivery of blood?
- Patient identification.
- 2 sample rule.
- Hand-written patient details.
- Blood selected and serologically matched.
- Mistakes can happen.
Give 3 examples of ways to avoid blood transfusion.
- Cell salvage.
- IV iron if severely iron deficient.
- Some people can tolerate lower haemoglobin concentrations.
Describe an ABO incompatability reaction.
Rapid intravascular haemolysis -> cytokine release -> acute kidney failure and shock -> DIC -> rapidly fatal.
Can be acute or delayed.
How can you treat/manage an ABO incompatibility reaction?
Stop transfusion immediately.
Send bloods to the lab for further typing.
Report to SHOT.
Describe a bacterial contamination reaction.
Most common with platelets.
Symptoms start soon after transfusion begins, and include fevers, hypotension, shock, and rigors.
Abnormal colouration may be seen in the unit.
How can you treat/manage a bacterial contamination reaction?
Stop transfusion immediately.
Send bloods to the lab for further typing.
Treat the infection.
Describe a transfusion-related lung injury (TRALI).
Inflammation causes plasma to leak into alveoli.
Symptoms include SOB, cough with frothy sputum, hypotension and fever.
Describe a transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) reaction.
Acute/worsening pulmonary oedema within 6hrs of transfusion.
Older patients = higher risk.
Symptoms include respiratory distress, evidence of positive fluid balance, and raised blood pressure.
What is the importance of platelets in disease?
Platelets contribute to thrombosis, having a central role in arterial thrombosis which can lead to heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
What is thrombosis?
The formation of a clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel.
What happens to platelets when they are activated? What does this do and allow?
- They change shape, from smooth discoid -> spiculated with pseudopodia.
- Increases surface area, therefore increasing possibility of cell-cell interactions.
- They activate GP IIb/IIIa receptors to allow platelet aggregation via fibrinogen cross-linking.
Where are glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors found?
On the surface of platelets. 50,000 -> 100,000 copies on resting platelet.
How does platelet activation affect GPIIb/IIIa receptors?
- Increases number of receptors.
- Increases receptors’ affinity for fibrinogen.
- Fibrinogen links receptors, binding platelets together (platelet aggregation).
How do platelets/ platelet receptors respond to atherosclerotic plaque rupture of a vessel?
- Collagen receptors on the platelet bind to exposed subendothelial collagen.
- GP IIb/IIIa also binds to von Willebrand factor which is attached to collagen.
- Soluble agonists are also released and activate platelets.
What role does aspirin play involving platelets? How does this work?
Inhibits the thromboxane A2 amplification pathway.
Low-dose aspirin inhibits COX-1 -> inhibition platelet activation.
High-dose aspirin inhibits COX-1 and 2 -> inhibition of inflammatory pathways.
Which G proteins are linked to platelet P2Y receptors?
P2Y1 linked to Gq protein.
P2Y12 linked to Gi protein.
What binds to and activates platelet P2Y receptors?
Adenosine diphosphate (ADP).
What does the activation of P2Y1 do?
Causes platelet activation and therefore platelet aggregation.
What does the activation of P2Y12 do?
Amplifies platelet activation and aggregation, and the release of granules.
Describe the platelet activation and amplification loop.
ADP -> activates P2Y receptors -> platelet activation.
Dense granules from the platelet -> ADP -> activates P2Y receptors -> further platelet activation.
Activation of GPIIb/IIIa also amplifies platelet activation.
How is thrombin involved in platelet activation?
Thrombin activates protease-activated receptors (PARs) on platelets -> platelet activation and release of ADP -> amplifies activation through P2Y receptors.
What does platelet procoagulant activity produce and cause?
Drives thrombin generation, creating a thrombin-mediated amplification loop increased platelet activation, whilst also linking with coagulation.
How are platelet-fibrin clots formed?
Platelets aggregate, thrombin cleaves fibrinogen to form fibrin strands, that form a mesh with the aggregated platelets creating a clot, and trapping RBCs.
Describe the role of the fibrinolytic system.
To maintain homeostasis and avoid thrombosis.
What is the function of platelet alpha granules?
Released during platelet activation, have coagulation factors, but also inflammatory mediators. Also mediate the expression of surface P-selectin.
How can platelets interact with leukocytes, and what does this interaction lead to?
Leukocytes have a PSGL-1 counter receptor, allowing a platelet to bind and link to a leukocyte using P-selectin. This connection contributes to both the thrombotic response and the inflammatory response.
What are the typical setting on an ECG?
Speed = 25mm/sec
Voltage = 10mm/mV
How do you calculate rate (bpm) from an ECG?
Either:
300/(no. of large squares between cardiac cycles)
OR
(Cycles in 10 secs) x 6
What does an ECG measure/show?
The net change in voltage in the whole heart.
What does the P wave on an ECG represent?
Atrial depolarisation.
What does the QRS complex on an ECG represent?
Ventricular depolarisation.
What does the T wave on an ECG represent?
Ventricular repolarisation.
Describe atrial fibrillation.
- Random atrial activity.
- Random ventricular capture.
- Irregularly irregular rhythm.
Describe atrial flutter.
- Organised atrial activity ~300/min.
- Ventricular capture at ratio to atrial rate (usually 2:1, so 150bpm).
- Usually regular.
- Can be irregular if ratio varies.
What are the normal values for the PR interval?
120 -> 200ms (3 -> 5 small squares).
What does a prolonged PR interval suggest?
Conduction disease (heart block).
What are the normal values of the QRS complex width?
Less than 120ms (less than 3 small squares).
What does a prolonged QRS interval width suggest?
Issue in conduction system -> bundle branch block, when one ventricle is depolarising faster than the other.
What are the normal values for the QT interval?
Men: 350 -> 440 ms.
Women: 350 -> 460ms.
What does a prolonged QT interval suggest? What can cause a prolonged QT interval?
Serious arrhythmia.
Drugs (most common) and genetic predisposition.
How can you identify left axis deviation on an ECG?
Lead I = positive.
Lead II = negative.
(L)eaving each other = (L)eft axis deviation.
How can you identify right axis deviation on an ECG?
Lead I = negative.
Lead II = positive.
(R)eaching for each other = (R)ight axis deviation.
Describe leads I and II on a normal axis.
Both positive.
What does ST elevation suggest?
Blocked coronary artery, can tell which by which leads are affected on the ECG.
Which limb leads are involved with the lateral wall of the LV, which artery are they therefore involved with?
aVl and lead I.
Circumflex artery.
Which limb leads are involved with the inferior wall of the LV, which artery are they therefore involved with?
Leads II, aVF, and III.
Right coronary artery.
Which chest leads are involved with the septal wall of the LV?
V1 and V2.
Which chest leads are involved with the anterior wall of the LV?
V3 and V4.
Which chest leads are involved with the lateral wall of the LV?
V5 and V6.
Which are the bipolar limb leads? How do they work?
- Leads I, II, and III.
- Measure potential difference between two electrodes (one designated +ve and the other -ve).
Which are the unipolar limb leads? How do they work?
- aVL, aVF, aVR.
- Measures the potential difference between a +ve electrode, and a -ve combined reference electrode.
- AKA augmented leads.
What are the names of the chest leads? Are these unipolar or bipolar?
- V1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
- Unipolar.
How are cardiac muscle cells connected?
Intercalated discs that contain gap junctions, adhering junctions, and desmosomes.
What is the role of gap junctions in cardiac muscle?
Allow direct communication between cells, for example if iron changes in one cell, iron will change in the next.
What is the role of desmosomes in cardiac muscle?
Physical link between cardiac muscle cells, ensure that they work together and contract as a unit.
What is the resting membrane potential of the heart?
Around -90mV.
Explain negative membrane potential.
- High K+ conc inside.
- Low Na+ and Ca2+ conc inside.
- K+ diffuse out (high -> low).
- Anions cannot follow.
- Excess of anions inside = -ve membrane potential.
What is phase 0 of cardiac action potential?
Depolarisation, Na+ in.
What is phase 1 of cardiac action potential?
Initial repolarisation, K+ out.
What is phase 2 of cardiac action potential?
Plateau, Ca2+ in, K+ out.
What is phase 3 of cardiac action potential?
Repolarisation, K+ out.
What is phase 4 of cardiac action potential?
Resting potential, 2K+ in for every 3Na+ out. Against their gradients, therefore requires active transport and ATPase for energy,
What is the Nernst Equation used for?
To work out membrane potential under non-standard conditions.
What is action potential propagation?
Wave of depolarisation in which action potential spreads across membrane via gap junctions, kicking off sodium channels through the whole myocardium.
What is the point of cardiac action potential?
- Calcium!!!
- Contraction of heart muscle requires appropriately-timed delivery of Ca2+ ions to the cytoplasm.
Describe calcium in cardiac muscle cells.
- Excitation-contraction coupling.
- Calcium enters, triggers release of more from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
- Calcium tightly regulated, kept in SR.
- Conc in cytoplasm usually low, high in SR.
- Ryanodine receptors activated by calcium influx of cytoplasm, allow calcium to leak out of SR.
Describe the troponin-tropomyosin-actin complex.
- Calcium binds to troponin.
- Conformational change in tropomyosin reveals myosin binding sites.
- Myosin head cross-links with actin.
- Myosin head pivots, causing cardiac muscle contraction.
Describe the sino-atrial node’s cardiac action potential phases.
- Upsloping phase 4.
- Less rapid phase 0.
- No discernable phase 1 or 2.
What is the velocity of conduction in the specialised fibres of the hearts conduction system?
Atrial and ventricular muscle fibres = 0.3 -> 0.5m/s.
Purkinje fibres = 4m/s.
What is the pacemaker of the heart? Why? What would happen is this was lost?
- Sinoatrial node as it has the fastest leak of current between impulses to trigger depolarisation.
- Heart beat would still occur if lost as all cardiac tissue leaks some charge that eventually triggers depolarisation, but it would be unreliable and slow.
- Next fastest will take over e.g. atrioventricular node.
What is sympathetic stimulation of the heart controlled by?
- Adrenaline and noradrenaline, and Type 1 beta adrenoreceptors.
- Increases adenylyl cylcase -> increases cAMP.
What does increased sympathetic stimulation of the heart cause?
- Increased heart rate (up to 180->250bpm).
- Increased force of contraction.
- Increase in cardiac output (by up to 200%).
What does decreased sympathetic stimulation of the heart cause?
- Decreased heart rate.
- Decreased force of contraction.
- Decreased cardiac output (by up to 30%).
What is parasympathetic stimulation of the heart controlled by?
- Acetylcholine
- M2 receptors inhibit release of acetylcholine.
What does increased parasympathetic stimulation of the heart cause?
- Decreased heart rate (temporarily pause or as low as 30->40 bpm).
- Decreased force of contraction.
- Decreased cardiac output (by up to 50%).
What does decreased parasympathetic stimulation of the heart cause?
- Increased heart rate.
What is the refractory period of myocardial contraction?
A period of time during which a cell is incapable of repeating an action potential.
What are the 3 states of sodium channels involved in the refractory period and myocardial contraction?
- Open and activatable.
- Closed and inactivatable.
- Closed but activatable (resting).
What is the normal refractory period of ventricles and atria?
Approx 0.25s for ventricles, less for atria.
What is the purpose of the refractory period of myocardial contraction?
Prevents excessively frequent contraction, and allows time for the heart to fill.
What is the absolute refractory period?
Period in which another impulse cannot be stimulated, so another depolarisation cannot occur.
What is the relative refractory period?
Period in which a high stimulus is needed to trigger another impulse, so it is difficult to get another depolarisation to occur.
What are the main components of the myocardium?
- Contractile tissue.
- Connective tissue.
- Fibrous frame.
- Specialised conduction system.
What does the cardiac myocyte do?
Pumping action of the heart is dependent on interactions between contractile proteins in muscular walls. These proteins are activated by excitation-contraction coupling.
Describe the working myocardial cell.
- Filled with cross-striated myofibrils.
- Plasma membrane regulated E-C coupling and relaxation.
- Plasma membrane produced part of T-tubule.
- Plasma membrane separates cytosol from extra-cellular space and sarcoplasmic reticulum.
- Mitochondria: ATP, aerobic metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation.
Describe myocardial metabolism.
Aerobic: relies on free fatty acids (efficient energy production).
Anaerobic: during hypoxia, no free fatty acids, relies on glucose metabolism.
What is the A-band of a myocardial working cell?
Region of the sarcomere occupied by thick filaments.
What is the I-band of a myocardial working cell?
Region occupied only by thin filaments that extend towards the centre of the sarcomere from the Z-lines. Also contain tropomyosin and troponins.
What are the Z-lines of a myocardial working cell?
Bisect each I-band.
What is a sarcomere?
- The functional basic unit of contractile apparatus.
- Defined as the region between a pair of Z-lines.
- Contains two half I-bands, and one A-band.
What is the sarcoplasmic reticulum?
Membrane network surrounding contractile proteins, consists of the sarcotubular network and the subsarcolemmal cisternae.
What is the sarcolemma?
The plasma membrane of muscle.
What is the transverse tubular system (T-tubule)?
Lined by a membrane continuous with the sarcolemma, so the lumen carries extracellular space towards the centre of the myocardial cell.
What are the important contractile proteins of the heart?
- Myosin.
- Actin.
- Tropomyosin.
- Troponin (I, T, and C).
Describe myosin.
- Thick filament.
- 2 heavy chains (responsible for dual heads).
- 4 light chains.
- Heads are perpendicular at rest, join with actin, bend towards centre of sarcomere during contraction.
- ATPase in head.
- Alpha and beta myosin.
Describe actin.
- Thin filament.
- Globular protein (G-actin).
- Linear polymers of globular proteins (F-actin).
- Double-stranded macromolecular helical structure.
- Has a myosin binding site, partially covered by tropomyosin and held in place by troponin
Describe tropomyosin.
- Thin filament.
- Elongated molecule, made of two helical peptide chains.
- Wire like structure occupying each of the longitudinal grooves between two actin strands.
- Regulates interactions between the other three contractile proteins.
Describe troponin.
- Thin filament.
- 3 types: I,T, and C.
- I: inhibits actin and myosin interaction.
- T: binds troponin complex to tropomyosin.
- C: high affinity calcium binding sites, signalling contraction, also drives troponin I away from actin, allowing its interaction with myosin.
When is the myocardium normally perfused?
During diastole, via the coronary arteries.
Describe physiologic systole.
Isovolumetric contraction and ejection.
Describe cardiologic systole.
From M1 -> A2, between 1st and 2nd heart sounds.
Describe physiologic diastole.
Reduced ejection, isovolumetric relaxation, and filling phases.
Describe cardiologic diastole.
A2 -> M1 interval.
Describe preload.
Amount of blood present in ventricles just before ventricular contraction has started.
Describe afterload.
The pressure against which you heart has to contract to eject the blood.
What is Starling’s Law (1918)?
The greater the stretch on the myocardium before systole, the stronger the ventricular contraction.
Define force-length interaction.
Force produced by skeletal muscle declines when the sarcomere is less than optimal length.
Define contractility.
The state of the heart which enables it to increase its contraction velocity, to achieve higher pressure, when contractility is increased (independent of load).
Define elasticity.
The myocardial ability to recover its normal shape after removal of systolic stress.
Define compliance.
The relationship between the change in stress and the resultant strain. (dP/dV).
Define diastolic distensibility.
Pressure required to fill the ventricle to the same diastolic volume.
What are the components of the circulation?
- Anatomy.
- Blood.
- Pressure (CO).
- Volume.
- Flow.
Which structures hold the greatest proportion of blood volume in the circulation?
Small veins and venules (43%).
Describe arteries.
- Low resistance conduits.
- Elastic.
- Cushion systole.
- Maintain blood flow -> organs during diastole.
Describe arterioles.
- Principle site of vascular flow resistance.
- TPR (total peripheral resistance), basically arteriolar resistance. Determined by local, neural and hormonal factors.
- Major role in determining arterial pressure.
- Major role in distributing flow to tissue/organs.
Describe TPR.
- Total peripheral resistance, basically arteriolar resistance.
- Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) determines radius.
- VSM contracts: radius decreases, resistance increases, flow decreases.
- VSM relaxes: radius increases, resistance decreases, flow increases.
- Vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
- VSM never completely relaxed = myogenic tone.
Describe capillaries.
- 40,000km and large area = slow flow.
- Allows time for nutrient/waste exchange.
- Plasma or interstitial fluid flow determines distribution of ECF between compartments.
- Flow determined by arteriolar resistance and the number of open pre-capillary sphincters.
Describe veins.
- Low resistance conduits.
- Compliant.
- Capacitance vessels.
- Valves aid venous return against gravity.
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Describe lymphatics.
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Equation for blood pressure:
Blood pressure = CO x TPR
(cardiac output x total peripheral resistance).
Equation for cardiac output:
CO = HR x SV
(heart rate x stroke volume).
Equation for pulse pressure:
PP = systolic - diastolic pressure
Equation for mean arterial pressure:
MAP = diastolic pressure = 1/3 pulse pressure
Describe systolic BP.
Ventricles contract, highest BP (100 -> 150 mmHg).
Describe diastolic BP.
Ventricles relax, lowest BP (not 0, 60 -> 90 mmHg).
How is BP measured?
Using a sphygmomanometer on the brachial artery as it is convenient to compress, and level to the heart.
Describe the basics of Korotkoff sounds.
0) BP greater than systolic, no flow = no sounds.
1) Systolic, high velocity = sounds.
2) Between S and D = thud.
3) Diastolic = sounds disappear.
What is autoregulation?
The intrinsic ability of a structure to maintain constant blood flow despite perfusion pressure changes.
Which organs/systems have excellent autoregulation?
- Renal.
- Cerebral.
- Coronary.
Which organs/systems have moderate autoregulation?
- Skeletal muscle.
- Splanchnic.
Which organs/systems have poor autoregulation?
- Cutaneous.
In which scenarios are extrinsic and intrinsic control of blood flow dominant?
- Brain and heart: intrinsic.
- Skin: extrinsic.
Skeletal: rest = extrinsic, exercise = intrinsic.
In local control of blood flow, name 2 vasoconstrictors:
- Endothelin-1.
- Internal blood pressure.
In local control of blood flow, name 8 vasodilators:
- Hypoxia.
- Adenosine.
- Bradykinin.
- NO.
- K+.
- CO2.
- H+.
- Tissue breakdown products.
Describe the blood flow control functions of endothelium.
- Essential for circulation control.
- Rubbing off endothelium -> constriction.
- Nitric oxide released = vasodilator.
- Prostacyclin released = vasodilator.
- Endothelin released = potent vasoconstrictor.
Name 3 circulating (hormonal) vasoconstrictors:
- Epinephrine (skin).
- Angiotensin II.
- Vasopressin.
Name 2 circulating (hormonal) vasodilators:
- Epinephrine (muscle).
- Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).
Where are primary/arterial baroreceptors found?
- Carotid sinus.
- Aortic arch.
Where are secondary/cardiopulmonar baroreceptors found?
- Vein.
- Myocardium.
- Pulmonary vessels.
Describe the baroreceptor reflex in regulating blood pressure.
Increased BP -> increased baroreceptor activity -> increased impulse firing -> increased PSNS and decreased SNS -> decrease in CO, and vasodilation to reduce BP.
Vice versa for BP decrease.