Vascular System Key Terms

Question 1

Pulmonary circulation

Answer 1

Vascular pathway that carries blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs to remove carbon dioxide and returns oxygenated blood to the left atrium of the heart

Question 2

Systemic circulation

Answer 2

Vascular pathway that carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the left ventricle of the heart to the body cells and returning to the right atrium of the heart with blood that is carrying carbon dioxide and other waste products of metabolism from the cells

Question 3

Arteries

Answer 3

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart

Question 4

Arterioles

Answer 4

The smallest branches of arteries, which join with the capillaries

Question 5

Aorta

Answer 5

The largest artery in the body, arising from the left ventricle of the heart and approximately 1 inch (2.5 CM) in diameter

Question 6

Veins

Answer 6

Blood vessels that return blood to the heart

Question 7

Venules

Answer 7

The smallest veins at the junction of the capillaries

Question 8

Vena cava

Answer 8

either of two veins, the superior vena cava and inferior vena, that return blood to the heart and are the largest veins in the body

Question 9

Great saphenous vein

Answer 9

The longest vein in the body, located in the leg

Question 10

Capillaries

Answer 10

Microscopic, one-cell thick vessels that connect the arterioles and venules forming a bridge between the arterial and venous circulations

Question 11

Tunica adventitia

Answer 11

The outer layer of a blood vessel, sometimes called the tunica externa. It is made up of connective tissue and is thicker in arteries than veins.

Question 12

Tunica media

Answer 12

The middle layer of a blood vessel. It is made up of smooth muscle tissue and some elastic fibers. It is much thicker in arteries than in veins

Question 13

Tunica intima

Answer 13

The inner layer or lining of a blood vessel, sometimes called the tunica interna. It is made up of a single layer of endothelial cells with an underlining basement membrane, a connective tissue layer, and an elastic internal membrane.

Question 14

Lumen

Answer 14

The internal space of a blood vessel or tube through which the blood flows

Question 15

Antecubital fossa

Answer 15

The area of the arm that is anterior to (in front of) and below the bend of the elbow, where the major veins or venipuncture are located.

Question 16

Antecubital veins

Answer 16

Major superficial veins located in the antecubital fossa

Question 17

Median cubital vein

Answer 17

Located near the center of the antecubital area, it is the preferred vein for venipuncture in the H-shaped pattern. It is typically larger, closer to the surface, and more stationary than the others, making it the easiest and least painful to puncture and the least likely to bruise

Question 18

Cephalic vein

Answer 18

Located in the lateral aspect of the antecubital area, it is the second choice vein for venipuncture in the H-shaped pattern. It is often harder to palpate than the median cubital but is fairly well anchored and often the only vein that can be palpate (felt) in obese patients.

Question 19

Basilic vein

Answer 19

A large vein located on the medial aspect (inner side) of the antecubital area, it is the last-choice vein for venipuncture in either vein distribution pattern. It is generally easy to palpate but is not as well anchored and rolls more easily, increasing the possibility of accidental puncture of the anterior or posterior branch of the medial cutaneous nerve or the brachial artery, which both commonly underlie this area. Punctures in this area also tend to be more painful.

Question 20

Medial cutaneous nerve

Answer 20

A major motor and sensory nerve in the arm that lies along the path of the brachial artery and ended the vicinity of the basilic vein

Question 21

Brachial artery

Answer 21

Artery located in the medial anterior aspect of the antecubital fossa near the insertion of the biceps muscle; the second choice for arterial puncture

Question 22

Intermediate antebrachial vein

Median vein

Answer 22

The first choice for venipuncture in the M shaped pattern because it is well anchored, Tends to be less painful, and is not as close to major nerves or arteries as the others, making it generally safest to puncture.

Question 23

Intermediate cephalic vein

Medial cephalic vein

Answer 23

The second choice for venipuncture in the M shaped pattern because it is accessible and is for the most part located away from major nerves or arteries, making it generally safe to puncture.It is also less likely to roll, and relatively less painful to puncture.

Question 24

Intermediate basilic vein

Median basilic vein

Answer 24

The third choice, even though it may appear more accessible, is more painful and is located near the anterior and posterior branch of the medial cutaneous nerve.

Question 25

Aneurysm

Answer 25

A localized dilation or bulging in the wall of a blood vessel, usually an artery.

Question 26

Arteriosclerosis

Answer 26

Thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of artery walls.

Question 27

Atherosclerosis

Answer 27

A form of arteriosclerosis involving changes in the intima of the artery do to accumulation of lipids and so on.

Question 28

Embolism

Answer 28

Obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus.

Question 29

Embolus

Answer 29

A blood clot, part of a blood clot, or other mass of undissolved matter circulating in the bloodstream.

Question 30

Hemorrhoids

Answer 30

Varicose veins in the rectal area.

Question 31

Phlebitis

Answer 31

Inflammation of a vein.

Question 32

Thrombophlebitis

Answer 32

Inflammation of a vein along with thrombus (blood clot) formation.

Question 33

Thrombus

Answer 33

A blood clot in a blood vessel.

Question 34

Varicose veins

Varices

Answer 34

Swollen, knotted superficial veins.