The Circulatory System Flashcards
What are the four chambers of the heart and their roles?
Right atrium → right ventricle → lungs (via pulmonary artery) → left atrium → left ventricle → body (via aorta).
How does the heart ensure blood flows in one direction, and how is the heartbeat controlled?
Pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node (SAN) generate electrical impulses that control heart rate.
Why do arteries have a narrow lumen
Narrow lumen maintains high pressure for efficient blood flow
What is the main role of veins, and how are they adapted to low-pressure blood flow?
Contain valves to prevent backflow since blood flow is at lower pressure.
How do the structure and function of capillaries support efficient exchange of materials?
Thin walls allow for easy diffusion; large surface area increases exchange efficiency
What are the four main components of blood, and what are their function
Red blood cells: They carry oxygen around the body.
White blood cells:protect the body from harmful germs.
Platelets: They help the blood clot
Plasma: carries nutrients
what else does the circulatory system transport other than oxygen and glucose
nutrients - The plasma also carries amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids
Hormones: Blood transports hormones secreted by endocrine system glands to target organs and tissues
What structural adaptations make capillaries goodfor their role in gas
Capillaries are one cell thick which helps move oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of you body,
