Study "HAP CARDIO", a flashcard deck on FORKSAI.
Define the primary function of the circulatory system.
The primary function of the circulatory system, which combines the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body, while also removing waste products.
Distinguish between the roles of the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system within the broader circulatory system.
The cardiovascular system moves blood throughout the body via the heart and blood vessels, facilitating the transport of vital substances. In contrast, the lymphatic system returns excess tissue fluid to the blood and supports immunity, working in conjunction with the immune system.
Which of the following blood components is primarily responsible for immune response? A) Red blood cells B) Plasma C) White blood cells D) Platelets
C) White blood cells. White blood cells are specialized cells that play a crucial role in the body's immune system, identifying and fighting off pathogens and foreign invaders.
Describe the structural features of a capillary that make it ideal for its function as an exchange site.
Capillaries are ideal for exchange due to their one-cell thick walls (endothelium), very narrow lumen, and extensive network which provides a large surface area. These features facilitate the efficient diffusion of oxygen and nutrients out, and carbon dioxide and waste products in, due to slow blood flow.
A patient experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to reduced blood flow to peripheral tissues. How would the arterioles respond to try and compensate for this, and what is the term for this response?
The arterioles would undergo vasoconstriction, narrowing their lumen. This response helps to increase peripheral resistance and redirect blood flow to vital organs, attempting to restore blood pressure and ensure adequate perfusion where it's most critical.
Explain the process of filtration and reabsorption that occurs in a capillary bed.
At the arteriole end of a capillary bed, high pressure pushes fluid (carrying O2, glucose, ions) out into the tissues, a process called filtration. At the venule end, lower pressure combined with the osmotic pull from blood proteins causes fluid to move back into the capillary, known as reabsorption.
Which of the following describes the function of the aorta? A) Returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium. B) Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. C) Distributes oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body. D) Returns blood from capillaries to the heart.
C) Distributes oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart to systemic circulation.
A person is exercising vigorously. How does the cardiovascular system link with the muscular system to support this activity?
During vigorous exercise, the cardiovascular system supplies the muscular system with increased oxygen and nutrients essential for muscle contraction. It also efficiently removes metabolic waste products like carbon dioxide, allowing muscles to sustain activity.
Define the term 'myocardium' and state its primary function.
The myocardium is the middle layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle. Its primary function is to contract rhythmically and powerfully to pump blood throughout the body and to the lungs.
Why is the left anterior descending (LAD) artery sometimes referred to as the 'widow-maker'?
The LAD artery is called the 'widow-maker' because it supplies the front of the heart and the interventricular septum. A blockage in this artery can lead to extensive damage to the left ventricle, which is critical for pumping blood to the entire body, often resulting in a severe and potentially fatal myocardial infarction.