FSC-cardiovascular system

• What is the function of the superior vena cava?


  It carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium.
• What is the role of the pulmonary vein?


  It carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
• What is the function of the right atrium?


  It receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cavae.
• What is the purpose of the pulmonary valve?


  It prevents backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle.
• What is the function of the tricuspid valve?


  It prevents backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium.
• What does the inferior vena cava do?


  It carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium.
• What is the role of the right ventricle?


  It pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
• What is the function of the aorta?


  It carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body.
• What does the pulmonary artery do?


  It carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
• What is the function of the left atrium?


  It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins.
• What is the role of the mitral valve?


  It prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
• What does the aortic valve do?


  It prevents backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle.
• What is the function of the left ventricle?


  It pumps oxygenated blood to the body through the aorta.
• How is heart rate controlled and regulated?

  • Controlled by intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms
  • SA node acts as the natural pacemaker
  • Electrical signals conducted by Purkinje fibers
  • Autonomic nervous system adjusts heart rate
  • Adrenaline increases heart rate during stress
• What happens to pressure in the heart during the cardiac cycle?


  • Diastole: heart muscle relaxes, lower pressure, atrioventricular valves open
  • Systole: ventricles contract, pressure increases, atrioventricular valves close, semilunar valves open
  • Atria pressure rises during systole, falls during diastole
• What are the definitions of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms?

  • Intrinsic: coming from within the heart
  • Extrinsic: influence coming from outside the heart
• What does myogenic mean?


  Produced by muscle cells, specifically cardiac muscle fibers.
• What is the autonomic nervous system?


  • Part of the peripheral nervous system
  • Regulates involuntary bodily functions
  • Controls heart rate, force of contraction, digestion, and respiratory rate
• What are the main features of arteries, veins, and capillaries?


  • Arteries: muscular, elastic walls, smaller lumen
  • Veins: less muscular walls, valves, larger lumen
  • Capillaries: one cell thick walls for diffusion
• What are the functions of plasma, platelets, erythrocytes, and leukocytes?


  • Plasma: carries nutrients, carbon dioxide, and heat
  • Platelets: allow blood to clot
  • Erythrocytes: contain hemoglobin for oxygen binding
  • Leukocytes: fight infection as part of the immune response
• Why do humans have a double circulation system?


  • Pulmonary circulation: blood travels to lungs for oxygenation
  • Prevents high pressure damaging pulmonary blood vessels
  • Ensures optimal pressure management and effective oxygen delivery
• What are the causes of coronary heart disease (CHD)?


  • Smoking
  • Lack of exercise
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Thrombosis
  • Obesity and genetics as risk factors
• What are the impacts of CHD on the cardiovascular system?


  • Can lead to hypertension, angina, PAD, heart attack, and heart failure
• How does CHD affect other body systems and mental health?


  • Reduces blood supply to vital organs
  • Increases risk of kidney damage, stroke, and vascular dementia
  • Can cause stress, anxiety, and depression
• What is thrombosis?


  Formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel that obstructs blood flow.
• What is hypertension?


  Condition characterized by persistently high blood pressure in the arteries.
• What is angina?


  Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
• What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?


  Condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, causing pain or cramping.
• What is vascular dementia?


  Decline in cognitive function due to problems with blood flow to the brain.
• What are the treatments for coronary heart disease (CHD)?


  • Blood thinning medication
  • Statins to reduce cholesterol
  • Betablockers to lower blood pressure
  • Lifestyle changes for weight and exercise
  • Surgery: angioplasty and CABG
• What are the side effects and risks associated with CHD treatments?


  • Side effects: gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, muscle pain
  • Risks: increased bleeding, muscle damage, fatigue, dizziness
  • Surgery risks: infection, blood clots, organ rejection
• What is the biggest risk in heart transplant?


  Organ rejection.