Blood Basics
This component makes up about 55% of whole blood.
plasma
This chamber receives blood from the superior and inferior vena cava.
right atrium
These vessels are known as the “exchange vessels” of the body
capillaries
This condition is known as the “silent killer.”
hypertension
The heart’s natural pacemaker is this structure.
sinoatrial (SA) node
These cell fragments release chemicals that promote blood clotting
platelets
These valves are also known as the tricuspid and bicuspid valves.
atrioventricular (AV) valves
These are called “resistance vessels” because they regulate blood flow resistance.
arterioles
This condition describes fatty plaque buildup inside arteries.
atherosclerosis
This sound heard during blood pressure measurement represents systolic pressure.
the first Korotkoff sound
This hormone, produced mainly by the kidneys, stimulates red blood cell production
erythropoietin (EPO)
This circulation transports deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation
pulmonary circulation
This reflex quickly counteracts the drop in blood pressure when standing up too quickly.
baroreceptor reflex
This disorder causes fingers to change from white to blue to red due to vasospasm
Raynaud syndrome
This condition refers to distended, twisted veins commonly found in the lower extremities
varicose veins
This blood type is considered the universal donor
Type O blood
This structure divides the heart into left and right halves.
the septum
This term describes alternative blood flow routes through arterial connections.
collateral circulation
This is the term for a travelling clot that can lodge elsewhere in the body
embolism
This complication of DVT occurs when a clot lodges in the lungs.
pulmonary embolism
These stem cells in red bone marrow can develop into various blood cell types
hemocytoblasts (multipotent stem cells)
These fibres conduct the action potential upward through the ventricular myocardium.
Purkinje fibres
This is the travelling pressure wave created after each systole of the left ventricle
the pulse
This condition occurs when a coronary artery becomes completely obstructed, causing tissue death
myocardial infarction
This law explains how the heart adjusts pumping ability based on venous return.
Frank-Starling Law