11.3

Cards (12)

What is aorta? 
the largest blood vessel in the body, connected directly to the heart; the aorta branches into arteries that carry oxygenated blood to the body tissues
What is arteriole? 
the smallest artery, with smooth
muscle in its walls
what is vasodilation? 
an increase in the diameter
(dilation) of arterioles that increases the
blood fl ow to tissues
what is vasoconstriction? 
a decrease in the
diameter of arterioles that decreases the
blood fl ow to tissues
what is venule? 
the smallest vein; formed by the
merging of capillaries
what is systolic pressure?
the blood pressure in
the arteries when the heart contracts
what is diastolic pressure?
the blood pressure in
the arteries when the heart relaxes
what is hypertension? 
consistent blood pressure
above the range of normal values; also
called high blood pressure
what is lymph? 
tissue fl uid collected in lymph
vessels and returned to the blood
what is a lymph node? 
an enlargement in the lymph
vessels that acts as a fi lter to remove
bacteria and foreign particles
What is a spleen?
the largest organ of the lymphatic
system; acts as a fi lter and a reservoir of
erythrocytes and leukocytes
what is thymus? 
a glandular organ of the
lymphatic system; secretes hormones to
promote the maturity of lymphocytes