T2 animal tissues, organs and systems Flashcards
how does the double circulatory system work
- right pump sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs where it becomes oxygenated and returns back to the heart
- left pump sends the newly oxygenated blood around the body, by the time this blood returns to the heart, it has returned to a deoxygenated state
why is the wall of the left ventricle thicker
has to pump blood at a higher pressure around the whole body
how is the heart rate controlled
group of cells in the RA (sinus node) which act as a pacemaker
release waves of electrical activity which cause the heart muscle to contract
how can an abnormal heart rhythm be treated
artificial pacemaker which sends out electrical signals to correct the heart’s rhythm
how are arteries adapted
thick muscle layer - adds strength to resist high pressure at which blood is pumped out by the heart
thick elastic layer - allows arteries to stretch and recoil in order to withstand high pressure
how are veins adapted for their function
wider cross-section (lumen) as unoxygenated blood is carried towards the heart at low pressure. The blood moves slower and against gravity so a larger lumen is needed to ensure it is transported efficiently.
valves - prevent backflow of blood
thinner walls than arteries as blood is at lower pressure
how are capillaries adapted for their function
f: enable transfer of substances between the blood and tissues
walls are 1 cell thick - short diffusion path
permeable walls - substances can diffuse across
narrow lumen - blood moves slowly, more time for diffusion
explain how the lungs are ventilated by the action of intercostal muscles
IM contract
ribcage moves upwards and outwards
diaphragm flattens and volume of chest increases
increased volume results in decreased gradient
air is drawn into lungs down pressure gradient
inverse occurs when air moves out of the lungs
describe how gas exchange occurs at the alveoli
O2 diffuses from the alveoli into the capillary bloodstream down its concentration gradient
CO2 diffuses from the capillary into the alveoli down its concentration gradient
describe how alveoli are adapted for gas exchange
small and arranged in clusters - larger SA
rich blood supply - maintains concentration gradient
thin alveolar wall - short diffusion pathway
equation for breathing rate
number of breaths / number of minutes
substances transported by plasma
red blood cells white blood cells platelets carbon dioxide urea products of digestion
purpose of red blood cells in blood
transport of oxygen around the body
how are red blood cells adapted for their function
biconcave shape - increased SA to vol ratio
no nucleus - more room for haemoglobin to bind to O2
contain haemoglobin - binds to O2
small so can pass through tiny capillaries
purpose of white blood cells in blood
form part of the immune system, which protects the body from invading pathogens
how are white blood cells adapted for their function
have a nucleus - contains DNA which codes for proteins
can produce antibodies and antitoxins
can engulf and digest pathogens (phagocytosis)
can change shape allowing them to squeeze through walls of blood vessels into blood tissues and engulf harmful microorganisms
purpose of platelets in blood
small cell fragments which aid the clotting of blood at the site of a wound
why is the function of platelets important
aid in the process of blood clotting (conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin).
as a result, red blood cells are trapped in the fibrin network, forming a clot which prevents excessive bleeding.
scab formation prevents bacteria from entering
what is coronary heart disease
occurs when the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle become blocked with a buildup of fatty material
this restricts the supply of oxygen to the heart, possibly leading to a heart attack or death
what is a stent and how does it work
metal mesh tube that is inserted into a blocked artery so that it remains open.
stent is inflated using a balloon, which is later removed to allow blood to flow freely
advantages and disadvantages of stents
A: insertion can be carried out without general anaesthetic
quick recovery time
lower the risk of a HA
D: risk of postop infection
risk of blood clots at site of stent
what are statins
drugs which reduce the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol which contributes to the development of CHD
advantages and disadvantages of statins
A: reduced risk of strokes, CHD and HAs
increased level of HDL (good) cholesterol
D: has to be taken continuously
may have side effects
effect may not be immediate
what is heart bypass surgery
surgery where blocked coronary arteries are replaced with sections of veins taken from other parts of the body
consequences of leaky heart valves
blood flows in wrong direction, causing the heart to become less efficient.
patients may become breathless and die
what types of valves can replace leaky valves
mechanical - made of metal or polymers
biological - taken from animals (pigs, humans)
advantages and disadvantages of mechanical valves
A: last for a very long time
D: need to take meds to prevent blood clotting around valve