The Vascular System Flashcards
What is the role of the vascular system?
It ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to all respiring cells for energy production, and waste is removed efficiently
The blood functions to:
- transport nutrients such as oxygen and glucose
- protect and fight disease
- maintain the internal stability of the body (homeostasis) and regulate temperature
What are the three main types of blood vessels?
- arteries
- veins
- capillaries
What is the main job for arteries and arterioles?
Arteries and arterioles transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the muscles and organs
What is the name of the main artery?
The aorta
What does the aorta do?
It carries blood at high pressure directly from the left ventricle to muscles and organs
What happens between arteries and arterioles?
Arteries subdivide into arterioles to slow down blood flow
What is the definition of vasodilation?
The widening of the arteries, arterioles and pre-capillary sphincters
What is the definition of vasoconstriction?
The narrowing of arteries, arterioles and pre-capillary sphincters
Where does vasodilation and vasoconstriction occur?
In the arteries, arterioles and pre-capillary sphincters
What is the main function of capillaries?
Capillaries bring blood slowly into close contact with the muscle and organ cells for gaseous exchange
What do veins and venules do?
They transport deoxygenated blood from the muscles and organs back to the heart
What happens between veins and venules?
Venules leave the capillary bed and reconnect to form veins
What is the name of the main vein?
The vena cava
What does the vena cava do?
It carries slow-moving blood at low pressure back to the right atria
