The Circulatory System Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

A

To transport oxygen.

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2
Q

What is a key structural feature of red blood cells that aids in their function?

A

They have a biconcave shape.

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3
Q

What pigment do red blood cells contain that is essential for oxygen transport?

A

Hemoglobin, which contains iron.

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4
Q

What is the role of white blood cells in the body?

A

They serve as a defense against disease.

By identifying and attacking bacteria and viruses.

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5
Q

What is the function of platelets in the blood?

A

They play a critical role in blood clotting and scab formation.

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6
Q

Name some substances transported by plasma.

A

carbon dioxide, digested food including glucose, amino acids and soluble nutrients

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7
Q

Why is the biconcave shape of red blood cells important for their function?

A

It increases the surface area for gas exchange

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8
Q

Why do red blood cells lack a nucleus?

A

To maximize space for hemoglobin and improve oxygen transport

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9
Q

What is the importance of hemoglobin containing iron in red blood cells?

A

Iron binds oxygen, allowing red blood cells to effectively transport it throughout the body.

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10
Q

2 Types of White Blood Cells

A

Lymphocytes
phagocytes

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11
Q

How does the absence of a nucleus in red blood cells benefit their function during oxygen transport?

A

It allows for more hemoglobin to be packed into the cell, enhancing oxygen-carrying capacity.

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12
Q

What role do hormones play in the blood plasma?

A

They are transported to target organs

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13
Q

Do arteries have valves present?

A

No

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14
Q

Which type of blood vessel has valves?

A

Veins have valves present.

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15
Q

What type of blood vessel has the thickest walls?

A

Arteries have the thickest walls.

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16
Q

Are capillaries permeable to allow substances to pass through?

A

Yes, capillaries are permeable.

17
Q

Which blood vessel type has the largest lumen diameter?

A

Veins have the largest lumen diameter.

18
Q

What contributes to the ability of veins to accommodate larger volumes of blood?

A

The larger lumen diameter of veins allows for greater blood volume.

19
Q

Why do arteries have thick walls?

A

To withstand high pressure from blood being pumped from the heart.

20
Q

What feature of capillaries allows for the exchange of substances?

A

Their permeability allows substances to pass through.

21
Q

What is the primary function of valves in veins?

A

Thus, valves help the return of blood to the heart—by opening when the blood flows toward the heart and closing when blood might flow backward

22
Q

What is the primary function of blood vessels entering the heart?

A

They carry deoxygenated blood to the heart.

23
Q

Which blood vessels carry oxygenated blood away from the heart?

A

Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

24
Q

Describe the sequence of blood flow in the double circulation system.

A

Deoxygenated blood flows from the body to the right atrium, then to the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle, which pumps it to the body.

25
Q

What blood vessels are responsible for carrying blood to and from the lungs?

A

The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs, and the pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood to the heart.

26
Q

How does blood flow to the liver?

A

Blood is carried to the liver by the hepatic portal vein, which brings nutrient-rich blood from the intestines.

27
Q

What is the role of the kidneys in blood circulation?

A

The kidneys filter blood to remove waste and regulate fluid balance; blood is carried to the kidneys by the renal arteries and returned via the renal veins

28
Q

Which vessels supply blood to the intestines?

A

The mesenteric arteries supply blood to the intestines, and the mesenteric veins return blood to the hepatic portal vein.

29
Q

How does exercise affect pulse rate

A

Exercise increases pulse rate due to increased demand for oxygen and nutrients by muscles.

30
Q

What are the benefits of regular exercise on the circulatory system?

A

Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle and increases cardiac output even at rest.

31
Q

What are the four chambers of the heart?

A

The four chambers are the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

32
Q

What is the function of the heart valves?

A

Heart valves ensure unidirectional flow of blood and prevent backflow.

33
Q

Why is the muscle wall of the left ventricle thicker than that of the right ventricle?

A

The left ventricle has a thicker wall to generate higher pressure required to pump blood throughout the body.

34
Q

What are coronary blood vessels responsible for?

A

Coronary blood vessels supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle itself.

35
Q

How does the heart function as a unidirectional pump?

A

The heart contracts to push blood out of the chambers through the valves, ensuring it flows in one direction.

36
Q

What is the role of the right atrium in the heart?

A

The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cavae.

37
Q

What is the role of the left atrium in the heart?

A

The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins.