Lecture 6&7 Cardiovascular Flashcards
What is a vasculature?
The network of blood vessels connecting the heart with all the other organs and tissues in the body
What is the role of the arteries?
To distribute blood to the tissues
What is the role of the arterioles?
To regulate the flow of blood to specific organs, depending upon requirements of the body
What is the role of the capillaries?
They are adapted for efficient exchange of substances with the interstitial fluid
What is the role of venules and veins?
To return blood to the heart
Arterioles, Capillaries and Venules are examples of?
Microcirculation
Give an example of an elastic artery
Aorta
Name the two broad categories of artery
Elastic
Muscular
Muscular artery stats
Mainly distribution vessels to organs
Contain large amounts of smooth muscle in the tunica media
Elastic artery stats
Usually larger vessels (1-2cm in diameter)
Contain well developed elastic layers
What is atherosclerosis?
The build up of cholesterol in the arterial wall (plaques). Narrows the lumen of blood vessels which significantly decreases blood flow to an organ (contributes to ischaemia). Increases blood pressure
What three elements comprise the cardiovascular system?
The heart
Blood vessels
Blood
Where do all veins empty?
Inferior or Superior vena cava or coronary sinus
What returns deoxygenated blood to the heart?
The vena cava returns deoxygenated blood into the right atrium
