SB8c: The Circulatory System Flashcards
Antibody
A protein produced by lymphocytes. It attaches to a specific antigen on a microorganism and helps to destroy or neutralise it.
Artery
A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
Blood
The fluid that carries oxygen and other substances from the heart to the body.
Capillary
A tiny blood vessel with thin walls to allow for the transfer of substances between the blood and tissues.
Erythrocyte
Another term for red blood cell.
Haemoglobin
The red, iron-containing pigment found in red blood cells.
Heart
A muscular organ in the circulatory system that pumps blood around the body.
Lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.
Phagocyte
A white blood cell that is capable of engulfing microorganisms such as bacteria.
Plasma
The straw-coloured liquid component of blood.
Platelet
Cell fragments that are important in the clotting mechanism of the blood.
Pulse
A shock wave caused by the contraction of the heart muscles, which travels through the walls of arteries leading from the heart.
Red blood cell
A biconcave disc containing haemoglobin that gives blood its red colour and carries oxygen around the body to the tissues. Also known as an erythrocyte.
Valve
A structure made of flaps of tissue that stops blood flowing in the wrong direction.
Vein
A blood vessel that transports blood towards the heart.
