Cardiovascular System Flashcards
7 cards from real Anatomy and Physiology practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Cardiovascular System flashcards as text
Which type of blood vessel has the thickest walls and is designed to withstand the highest pressures?
Answer: Arteries
Arteries have thick, elastic walls composed of three layers (tunica intima, media, and externa) to withstand the high pressure of blood ejected from the heart.
What is the primary function of capillaries?
Answer: Exchange gases, nutrients, and waste products with tissues
Capillaries are the site of exchange between blood and tissues, allowing oxygen, nutrients, and waste products to move across their thin walls.
Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart?
Answer: Pulmonary vein
The pulmonary veins (four in total) return oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.
Systolic blood pressure represents:
Answer: The pressure in arteries when the ventricles are contracting
Systolic pressure is the peak pressure in the arteries that occurs when the left ventricle contracts and ejects blood into the aorta.
The aorta is classified as the largest:
Answer: Artery in the body
The aorta is the largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle and distributing oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation.
Which layer of an arterial wall contains smooth muscle that controls vessel diameter?
Answer: Tunica media
The tunica media is the middle layer of the arterial wall composed primarily of smooth muscle and elastic fibers that regulate vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
Vasoconstriction refers to:
Answer: Narrowing of blood vessel lumens
Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessel lumens caused by smooth muscle contraction in the tunica media, which increases vascular resistance and blood pressure.