Unit 2: Circulatory System & Blood Flashcards
what is the cardiovascular system?
a system which transports blood around the body via a network of blood vessels
what surrounds the heart and what is its function?
the pericardium
it is tough fibrous connective tissue that protects the heart from the lungs as they create friction when they expand and contract from inhalation and exhalation, and lubricates it
what are the 3 branches from the aorta from left to right?
brachiocephalic artery (runs down the arms)
left common carotid artery (goes to the brain)
left subclavian artery
where are the tricuspid and bicuspid valves?
the tricuspid valve is in-between the right atrium and ventricle
the bicuspid valve is in-between the left atrium and ventricle
what is the function of the chordae tendinae?
they hold on to the valve to prevent it from opening backwards
what is a CVD
a cardiovascular disease is any disease that affects the heart or any system directly related to the heart
what age group do CVD’s normally affect?
people over the age of 60
what are some symptoms of CVDs
- severe chest pains
- weakness
- sometimes complete heart failure
what are risk factors for CVDs
- high blood pressure
- high blood cholesterol
- smoking
- obesity
- lack of exercise
- diabetes
- genetics/family history
- sex age (men over the age of 50 have a higher risk)
what are some examples of CVDs
- murmurs and valves defects
- hole in the heart defects
- aortic aneurysm
- atherosclerosis
what are some ways to treat CVDs
- coronary bypass surgery
- angioplasty
- endarterectomy
- replacement heart valves
- cardiac pacemaker
- heart transplants
describe the structure of an artery
endothelium
thick smooth muscle
connective tissue
small lumen
describe the structure of a vein
endothelium
thin smooth muscle lining
connective tissue
wide lumen
have back-flow valves
describe the structure of a capillary
endothelium thats 1 cell thick
what are the main tasks of an artery
- pump blood away from the heart to the organ systems
- carry oxygenated blood (except the pulmonary artery)
whats the function of the smooth muscle lining?
the arteries expand when filling with blood so the smooth lining acts like an elastic band thats stretches and snaps to push the blood forward
the movement of blood in the arteries is called a ________
pulse
why are blood samples taken from veins?
they are closer to the surface of the skin, they are thinner and they carry blood at a lower pressure and speed
what are the functions of veins?
- pump blood back to the heart
- carry deoxygenated blood (except the pulmonary vein)
how do veins account for their thinner smooth muscle lining?
they have back flow valves which prevents pooling of blood in the legs
what condition occurs from damaged back flow valves?
varicose veins
the valves don’t close properly which cause inflammation