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Anatomy & Physiology: Blood, Heart, and Blood Vessels

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Terms in this set (30)

  • Functions of blood

    Transport of gases, nutrients, and wastes; regulation of pH, temperature, and water content; protection against blood loss and infection.

  • Physical characteristics of blood

    Viscous, sticky fluid with a temperature of about 38°C, pH 7.35-7.45, and volume of 4-6 liters in adults.

  • Components of blood

    Plasma (55%) and formed elements: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.

  • Formation of blood cells

    Hematopoiesis occurs in red bone marrow producing RBCs, WBCs, and platelets from hematopoietic stem cells.

  • Functions of red blood cells (RBCs)

    Transport oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs using hemoglobin.

  • Functions of white blood cells (WBCs)

    Defend the body against pathogens and remove debris through immune responses.

  • Functions of platelets

    Participate in hemostasis by forming platelet plugs and releasing chemicals for blood clotting.

  • Steps of hemostasis

    1. Vascular spasm constricts blood vessels.
    2. Platelet plug formation seals small breaks.
    3. Blood clotting stabilizes the plug with fibrin.

  • Extrinsic pathway of coagulation

    Triggered by external trauma causing blood to escape vessels; involves tissue factor (factor III) activating factor VII.

  • Intrinsic pathway of coagulation

    Activated by damage inside the blood vessel; involves factors XII, XI, IX, and VIII.

  • Common pathway of coagulation

    Converges from intrinsic and extrinsic pathways; activates factor X leading to conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and fibrinogen to fibrin.

  • Blood grouping and typing

    Based on presence of antigens (A, B) on RBCs and antibodies in plasma; includes ABO and Rh systems.

  • Anemia

    A condition with reduced oxygen-carrying capacity due to low RBC count or hemoglobin abnormalities.

  • Sickle cell disease

    Genetic disorder causing abnormal hemoglobin that distorts RBCs into a sickle shape, leading to blockages and anemia.

  • Layers of the heart wall

    Epicardium (outer), myocardium (muscle layer), and endocardium (inner lining).

  • Heart chambers

    Four chambers: two atria (upper) and two ventricles (lower) separated by septa.

  • Heart valves

    Atrioventricular valves (tricuspid and mitral) and semilunar valves (pulmonary and aortic) prevent backflow.

  • Coronary circulation

    Blood supply to the heart muscle via coronary arteries and veins.

  • Cardiac conduction system

    Includes sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, bundle of His, bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers to coordinate heartbeat.

  • Normal ECG waves and significance

    P wave: atrial depolarization.
    QRS complex: ventricular depolarization.
    T wave: ventricular repolarization.

  • Cardiac cycle phases

    Includes atrial systole, ventricular systole, and diastole with pressure and volume changes in chambers.

  • Heart sounds

    First sound (S1) is closure of AV valves; second sound (S2) is closure of semilunar valves.

  • Cardiac output

    Volume of blood pumped per minute; calculated as \(\text{CO} = \text{HR} \times \text{SV}\).

  • Regulation of stroke volume

    Influenced by preload, contractility, and afterload.

  • Regulation of heart rate

    Controlled by autonomic nervous system and hormones like epinephrine.

  • Structure of blood vessels

    Three layers: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa.

  • Types of blood vessels

    Arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins with distinct functions and structures.

  • Capillary exchange

    Movement of gases, nutrients, and wastes between blood and tissues via diffusion, filtration, and osmosis.

  • Factors affecting blood flow

    Blood pressure, vascular resistance, blood viscosity, vessel diameter, and length.

  • Regulation of blood pressure

    Controlled by cardiovascular center in brainstem with short-term (neural/hormonal) and long-term (renal) mechanisms.