Ch. 7.8 Circulatory System Key Terms
what is Aortic valve
A one-way valve between the left ventricle and the aorta. It closes to prevent blood from flowing back into the left ventricle after contraction.
what is Arrhythmias
Abnormal heart rhythms that occur when something interferes with the heart's normal electrical conduction pattern.
waht is Arteries
Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. They are more muscular and elastic because they receive the pressurized blood from the heart.
what is blood
A tissue made up of plasma (fluid) and formed elements (blood cells). It transports oxygen, nutrients, waste, heat, and hormones.
what are Capillaries
Thin-walled blood vessels that connect arterioles and venules. Their thin walls allow for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients with cells and the entry of carbon dioxide and waste products.
what is the Circulatory System
Also known as the cardiovascular system. It is the body's transportation system, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
what is Diastole
: The brief period of rest in the cardiac cycle when the atria relax and receive blood returning from the body and the lungs.
what is the Endocardium
A smooth layer of cells that lines the inside of the heart and is continuous with the inside of blood vessels, ensuring smooth blood flow.
what is the Erythrocytes
: Red blood cells produced in the red bone marrow. They contain hemoglobin and their main function is to carry both oxygen and carbon dioxide.
what is Hemoglobin
A complex protein in erythrocytes that is composed of globin and an iron compound (heme). It is responsible for carrying both oxygen and carbon dioxide.
what is Left Atrium
An upper chamber of the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
what is the Left Ventricle
A lower chamber of the heart that pumps blood into the aorta for transport to the entire body.
what areLeukocytes
White blood cells. Their main function is to fight infection. They can move through capillary walls to enter body tissue.
wjaat is the Mitral Valve
A one-way valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle. It closes during ventricular contraction to prevent blood from flowing back into the left atrium.
what is the Myocardium
The muscular middle layer of the heart tissue. It is the thickest layer.
what is the Pericardium
A double-layered membrane, or sac, that covers the outside of the heart. The lubricating pericardial fluid inside prevents friction as the heart beats.
what is the Plasma
The fluid component of blood, which is about 90% water. It contains dissolved substances like proteins, nutrients, salts, and hormones.
what is Pulmonary Valve
A one-way valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It closes after the right ventricle contracts to prevent blood from flowing back into it.
what is the Right Atrium
An upper chamber of the heart that receives blood as it returns from the body cells.
what is the Right Ventricle
A lower chamber of the heart that pumps blood into the pulmonary artery, which carries the blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
waht is the Septum
A muscular wall that separates the right and left sides of the heart, preventing the mixing of blood.
what is the Systole
The period of ventricular contraction in the cardiac cycle, during which the ventricles push blood into the pulmonary artery and the aorta.
what is the Thrombocytes
Also called platelets. These cell fragments are important for the clotting process to stop bleeding.
what is the Tricuspid Valve:
A one-way valve located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It closes during ventricular contraction to prevent blood from flowing back into the right atrium.
what are Veins
Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. Most veins contain valves to ensure blood flows in one direction.