The Red Stuff (Blood)
This iron-based protein is found in RBCs and is responsible for transporting oxygen.
This is the muscular middle layer of the heart wall.
These microscopic vessels are the functional units of the system where gas and nutrient exchange occurs.
capillaries
This condition is defined by high blood pressure, specifically a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
hypertension
This heart rate measurement indicates more than 100 beats per minute.
Tachycardia
This term refers to the process of blood cell production occurring in the red bone marrow.
hematopoiesis
This valve, also known as the mitral valve, is located between the left atrium and left ventricle.
These vessels carry blood away from the heart and typically have thicker walls to handle higher pressure.
arteries
This term describes a decrease in local blood flow, often leaving the skin feeling cool and looking pale.
ischemia
This circuit carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood to the left atrium.
pulmonary circuit
This component makes up 55% of whole blood and is approximately 90% water.
plasma
These are the inferior chambers of the heart, responsible for pumping blood out to the lungs and body.
ventricles
This term describes the pressure within arteries that increases and the left ventricle contacts and ejects blood.
systole
This condition involves periodic vasospasms in the fingers and toes, often triggered by cold or emotional stress.
Raynaud syndrome
This term refers to the degree of muscle contraction present within the venous walls.
Venomotor tone
These cells, also known as thrombocytes, are responsible for the clotting mechanism to reduce blood loss.
platelets
This "pacemaker" of the heart is where the electrical impulse begins.
SA node
This mechanism uses the contraction of leg muscles to help return blood to the heart against gravity.
skeletal muscle pump
This is the buildup of plaque (fats and cholesterol) within the arterial walls.
atherosclerosis
This specific portal system connects the gastrointestinal tract to the liver.
hepatic portal system
A person with this blood type is considered a universal recipient because their plasma lacks anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
This specific sound is created by the closure of the semilunar valves during the cardiac cycle.
This is the innermost layer of a blood vessel wall, composed of a single layer of endothelial cells.
tunica interna
This condition involves enlarged veins caused by defective valves.
Varicose veins
This condition is characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving to an upright position.
orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension)