Cardiovascular system

What is hemoglobin and what does it do?

Hemoglobin carries oxygen to all cells and removes carbon dioxide. Each red blood cell lives about 90-120 days. New cells are produced in the red marrow of bones in a process called hematopoiesis. The liver and spleen remove dead red blood cells and reuse the material.

Myocardium

middle layers, and the thickest one. It is made of muscle tissue and pumps the blood through the system.

Endocardium

A smooth layer of cells that lines the inside of the heart and the blood vessels. It allows for the blood to flow smoothly through the system.

Pericardium

Double membrane, or sac, that covers the outside of the heart. it contains a lubricating fluid that reduces friction as the heart beats in order to prevent tissue damage.

What is congestive heart failure? What are the symptoms and treatment?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to supply the needs of the body. It may strike suddenly, or it may progress over a period of time. Symptoms include swelling, shortness of breath, fatigue, low blood pressure, and a rapid pulse. Treatment involves medication for the heart and to remove excess body fluids, elastic support hose, and oxygen therapy. In addition, rest and lifestyle changes are needed to relieve symptoms.

true or false: Relaxation events are referred to as diastole

False

true or false: The bundle of His transfers the impulse to the AV node

False

true or false: The fiber group stimulates only the right ventricles

False

What is the function of the valves? What are two atrioventricular and two semilunar valves and where are they located?

Four valves in the heart keep the blood flowing in only one direction. Atrioventricular valves are located between the atria and the ventricles on each side of the heart. These two valves include the tricuspid valve on the right side the and bicuspid valve, on the left. Semilunar valves are located between the ventricles and the vessels where blood leaves the heart. These two valves include the pulmonary valve and the aortic valve.

What are the functions of the cardiovascular system?

1. Supplies nutrients and oxygen to the body. 2. Removes metabolic waste and carbon dioxide from cells. 3. Distributes hormones and antibodies throughout the body. 4. Helps controls body temp and electrolyte balance.

How many liters of blood are circulating through the average body?

About 4-5 liters of blood circulate through the average body, accounting for about 8% of body weight. When spun in a special machine called a centrifuge, blood can be divided into solid and liquid parts. The solid parts are called formed elements, and the liquid part is the plasma.

What is anemia? What are the causes, symptoms, and treatment?

Anemia occurs when red blood cells do not supply enough oxygen to the body tissues. It results from a low amount of red blood cells or from a low amount of hemoglobin in the blood cells, or both. There are several types of anemia with different causes. Symptoms of any type of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, paleness, and rapid heart rate. Treatment varies depending on the type of anemia. It may involve dietary supplements, such as iron or vitamin B12, blood transfusions, or in severe cases, bone marrow transplant.

What is the main artery in the body? What are the two main veins?

Arteries pump oxygenated blood out to the body with the help of their muscular, elastic tissue. The aorta, which pumps blood directly from the heart, is the body's largest artery. The aorta branches into other arteries, which then branch into smaller vessels called arterioles. The blood is delivered to the heart by the body's two largest veins. The superior vena cava returns blood from the upper part of the body, and the inferior vena cava returns it from the lower part

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation, also called AFib, is a quivering or irregular heartbeat - also known as arrhythmia. AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. Abnormal heart valves, heart defects at birth, and overactive thyroid glands are the most common causes of atrial fibrillation. However, exposure to stimulants, such as medications, caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol can also cause AFib. At least 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib.

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to effectively pump. It is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia. Symptoms include loss of consciousness and abnormal or absent breathing. Some individuals may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea before cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is often fatal, if the appropriate steps aren't taken immediately.

What is hypertension? What are the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment?

Hypertension is high blood pressure. This disease is often called the "silent killer" because it may not show any symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. Risk factors that contribute to this condition are family history, race, obesity, smoking, stress, age, and a diet high in saturated fat. There is no cure. Treatment involves medication to control the blood pressure and to remove excess body fluids, reducing stress, avoiding tobacco, improving diet, and exercise

What is leukemia and why is it dangerous? What are the symptoms and treatment?

Leukemia is an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells. The cells are immature and are not effective at fighting disease. They also take the place of red blood cells and reduce the amount of oxygen being carried to the body tissues. Symptoms include fatigue, anemia, bleeding gums, and excessive bruising. The condition can be life-threatening. Treatment involves radiation, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplant. The patient may also be isolated to protect against infection.

What percentage of whole blood is plasma? How much of blood is made up of water? What is the rest of plasma made up with?

Plasma is a pale yellow liquid that is left when formed elements are removed from the blood. Whole blood is 55% plasma. Plasma is about 90% water and 10% proteins. It also has proteins that help fight infection and aid the clotting process. Serum is plasma without the clotting proteins. It may be used to research and identify antibodies.

What is the functions of platelets? How long do they live for?

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are the smallest blood cells. They help form clots to prevent blood loss from a wound. As they pass over a rough spot in a vessel, they become sticky. They may form a plug to seal small vessels by themselves or they may start the clotting process. Platelets are usually produced in red bone marrow and live for about 5-9 days

What is the function of red blood cells? How long do they live for? Where are they formed? Where are they removed?

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, contain a protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to all cells and removes carbon dioxide. Each red blood cell lives about 90-120 days. New cells are produced in the red marrow of bones in a process called hemopoiesis. The liver and spleen remove dead red blood cells and reuse the material.

What are the formed elements found in blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets

What is sickle cell disease? What are the complications? what is the treatment?

Sickle cell disease occurs when the body produces abnormal red blood cells in the shape of a crescent. The cells cannot pass smoothly through the blood vessels, and they become clogged. As a result, the oxygen in the red blood cells does not get to the body's organs, which causes organ damage. The process of sickle cells stacking up within the blood vessels is extremely painful. The pain typically occurs in the chest, abdomen, bones or joints. Treatment focuses on avoiding crises. Medications are available to reduce pain and complications. Blood transfusions, supplemental oxygen, and bone marrow transplant are all possible treatments, depending on the needs of the patient.

What is the difference between pulmonary and systemic circulation?

The flow of blood between the heart and lungs- Pulmonary. The right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated, or oxygen-poor, blood to the lungs. In the lungs, carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. The oxygenated, or oxygen-rich blood returns to the left side of the heart. Flow of blood between heart and cells of the body- Systemic. The left side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. The blood returns to the right side of the heart to maintain continuous circulation

What are the chambers of the heart called and where are they located? What separates the left side and the right side?

The heart is separated into the right and left sides by a thick, muscular wall called the septum. Each side is divides into two parts to create four chambers. The two top chambers are called atria, and the bottom two are called ventricles. The blood enters the heart through the atria and leaves through the ventricles.

Starting from the right atrium, list the structures in order that blood flows through ending with the aortic valves.

The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the inferior and superior vena cava. The blood moves to the lower portion of the heart through the tricuspid valve. The valve prevents blood from moving back into the right atrium. The right ventricle fills with blood. The right ventricle contracts to send the blood through the pulmonary valve to the pulmonary artery and the lungs. The valve prevents blood from returning to the right ventricle. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins. The blood moves to the lower portion of the heart through the bicuspid (mitral) valve. The valve prevents blood from moving back into the left atrium. The left ventricle fills with blood. The blood leaves the heart through the aortic valve to the aorta, which sends the blood to all parts of the body. The valve prevents blood from returning to the left ventricle.

What are the liquid and solid parts of blood called?

The solid parts are called formed elements, and the liquid part is the plasma.

true or false: The cardiac cycle represents one complete heartbeat.

True

true or false: The sinus node generates an electrical pulse

True

What are the four blood types? What is the RH factor?

Type A, Type B, Type AB, Type O. The Rh factor is a type of substance that causes the body to produce antibodies. Rh-positive blood contains the factor, and Rh-negative blood does not.

What is known as the universal donor? What is known as the universal recipient? Why are they called this?

Type O- has no substances that will cause antibodies to be produced. Therefore, it is known as the universal donor since it can be given safely to a person of any blood type. Type AB+ blood is called the universal recipient because it can safely receive any other type of blood.

What is the function of white blood cells? How long do they live for?

White blood cells, or leukocytes, fight disease and infection. There are fewer white blood cells than red ones, and they are larger. Each white blood cells lives about 9 days. Pus consists of white blood cells mixed with bacteria.