the circulatory system, blood and blood vessels Flashcards
what do red blood cells do
carry oxygen around the body from the lungs
what do white blood cells do
defend against infection by engulfing unwanted cells or producing antibodies
what do platelets do
clot the blood
what does plasma do
carry everything around
what do arteries do
carry the blood away from the heart
what size is the arteries lumen
regular sized lumen
structure of the arteries
strong elastic walls as blood pumped at high pressure
structure of veins
thin walls as little pressure from heart, have valves so blood cannot flow backwards
what is the function of veins
return blood to the heart
what sized lumen do the veins have
large
function of capilarys
carry blood very close to cells for gas exchange
what sized lumen do capilaries have
very small
structure of capillaries
one cell thick so substances can dissolve through and contain nucleus
