HAP CARDIO flashcards

All 50 cards

1. Card 1

   Define the primary function of the circulatory system.

   The primary function of the circulatory system, which combines the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body, while also removing waste products.

2. Card 2

   Distinguish between the roles of the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system within the broader circulatory system.

   The cardiovascular system moves blood throughout the body via the heart and blood vessels, facilitating the transport of vital substances. In contrast, the lymphatic system returns excess tissue fluid to the blood and supports immunity, working in conjunction with the immune system.

3. Card 3

   Which of the following blood components is primarily responsible for immune response? A) Red blood cells B) Plasma C) White blood cells D) Platelets

   C) White blood cells. White blood cells are specialized cells that play a crucial role in the body's immune system, identifying and fighting off pathogens and foreign invaders.

4. Card 4

   Describe the structural features of a capillary that make it ideal for its function as an exchange site.

   Capillaries are ideal for exchange due to their one-cell thick walls (endothelium), very narrow lumen, and extensive network which provides a large surface area. These features facilitate the efficient diffusion of oxygen and nutrients out, and carbon dioxide and waste products in, due to slow blood flow.

5. Card 5

   A patient experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to reduced blood flow to peripheral tissues. How would the arterioles respond to try and compensate for this, and what is the term for this response?

   The arterioles would undergo vasoconstriction, narrowing their lumen. This response helps to increase peripheral resistance and redirect blood flow to vital organs, attempting to restore blood pressure and ensure adequate perfusion where it's most critical.

6. Card 6

   Explain the process of filtration and reabsorption that occurs in a capillary bed.

   At the arteriole end of a capillary bed, high pressure pushes fluid (carrying O2, glucose, ions) out into the tissues, a process called filtration. At the venule end, lower pressure combined with the osmotic pull from blood proteins causes fluid to move back into the capillary, known as reabsorption.

7. Card 7

   Which of the following describes the function of the aorta? A) Returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium. B) Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. C) Distributes oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body. D) Returns blood from capillaries to the heart.

   C) Distributes oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart to systemic circulation.

8. Card 8

   A person is exercising vigorously. How does the cardiovascular system link with the muscular system to support this activity?

   During vigorous exercise, the cardiovascular system supplies the muscular system with increased oxygen and nutrients essential for muscle contraction. It also efficiently removes metabolic waste products like carbon dioxide, allowing muscles to sustain activity.

9. Card 9

   Define the term 'myocardium' and state its primary function.

   The myocardium is the middle layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle. Its primary function is to contract rhythmically and powerfully to pump blood throughout the body and to the lungs.

10. Card 10

    Why is the left anterior descending (LAD) artery sometimes referred to as the 'widow-maker'?

    The LAD artery is called the 'widow-maker' because it supplies the front of the heart and the interventricular septum. A blockage in this artery can lead to extensive damage to the left ventricle, which is critical for pumping blood to the entire body, often resulting in a severe and potentially fatal myocardial infarction.

11. Card 11

    Describe the path of deoxygenated blood through the right side of the heart, including the major vessels involved.

    Deoxygenated blood from the upper body enters the right atrium via the superior vena cava. From the right atrium, it moves into the right ventricle, which then pumps it into the pulmonary trunk, carrying it to the lungs for oxygenation.

12. Card 12

    What is the role of platelets in the blood?

    Platelets are small, irregular-shaped cell fragments that play a crucial role in hemostasis. Their primary function is clotting and emergency repair, forming a plug at the site of injury to prevent blood loss.

13. Card 13

    A patient is diagnosed with angina. What does this condition signify in relation to the coronary arteries?

    Angina signifies chest pain resulting from reduced oxygen supply to the myocardium. This typically occurs due to narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle itself, leading to ischemia.

14. Card 14

    Which of the following accurately describes the function of venules? A) Carry blood away from the heart fast. B) Control blood flow through vasoconstriction/vasodilation. C) Act as the primary site for O2/nutrient exchange. D) Drain blood from capillary networks.

    D) Drain blood from capillary networks. Venules are small blood vessels that collect deoxygenated blood from the capillaries and begin the return journey towards the veins and eventually the heart.

15. Card 15

    How does the nervous system influence the cardiovascular system?

    The nervous system exerts significant control over the cardiovascular system by regulating heart rate and blood vessel diameter. This allows for rapid adjustments in blood flow and pressure in response to various physiological demands or environmental changes.

16. Card 16

    Explain the difference between vasoconstriction and vasodilation in arterioles.

    Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of an arteriole, which reduces blood flow to the tissue it supplies, resulting in fewer deliveries. Vasodilation is the widening of an arteriole, which increases blood flow to the tissue, allowing for more blood deliveries.

17. Card 17

    What is the 'pacemaker' of the heart and where is it located?

    The 'pacemaker' of the heart is the Sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium. It spontaneously generates electrical impulses at a rate of 70-80 impulses per minute, initiating the cardiac cycle.

18. Card 18

    A medical student is trying to understand the layers of the heart wall. Describe the three main layers, from outermost to innermost.

    The outermost layer is the pericardium, a protective sac. The middle layer is the myocardium, composed of cardiac muscle responsible for pumping. The innermost layer is the endocardium, which lines the heart chambers and covers the valves.

19. Card 19

    Why is a large surface area important for capillaries?

    A large surface area in capillaries is crucial because it maximizes the contact area between blood and surrounding tissues. This extensive surface allows for efficient and rapid exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products through diffusion.

20. Card 20

    During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the ventricles contract and pump blood into the aorta?

    The ventricles contract and pump blood into the aorta during ventricular systole. In this phase, pressure rises within the ventricles, forcing the aortic valve open and ejecting blood into systemic circulation.

21. Card 21

    An athlete's heart rate and blood pressure increase significantly during a race. Which endocrine hormones are likely influencing these changes?

    Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a key endocrine hormone that would influence these changes. It increases heart rate and the force of contraction, leading to increased blood pressure, preparing the body for 'fight or flight' responses like intense physical activity.

22. Card 22

    What is the primary role of the right pump of the heart?

    The primary role of the right pump (right atrium and right ventricle) is to receive deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues and then pump it to the pulmonary circulation (lungs) for oxygenation.

23. Card 23

    Which of the following blood vessels is characterized by being large, high-pressure, and thick-walled, carrying blood away from the heart? A) Capillary B) Vein C) Arteriole D) Artery

    D) Artery. Arteries are designed to withstand high pressure and rapidly transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body, hence their thick, muscular walls.

24. Card 24

    A patient presents with swelling in their lower limbs. Considering the fluid balance maintained by the circulatory system, which component might be malfunctioning if the excess tissue fluid is not being returned to the blood effectively?

    If excess tissue fluid is not being returned to the blood effectively, the lymphatic system might be malfunctioning. Its role is to collect this interstitial fluid and return it to the circulatory system, supporting overall fluid balance.

25. Card 25

    How do heart valves function to ensure unidirectional blood flow?

    Heart valves open and close due to pressure differences across them. They are designed to open when pressure is higher on the upstream side, allowing blood to flow forward, and to close when pressure is higher on the downstream side, preventing backflow and ensuring unidirectional blood movement.

26. Card 26

    Define atherosclerosis and explain its progressive consequences for the cardiovascular system.

    Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty plaques in arterial walls, leading to a narrowed lumen. This progression reduces blood flow, increases blood pressure, and heightens the risk of clot formation, ultimately resulting in reduced tissue perfusion. A full blockage of a coronary artery can cause a myocardial infarction, where heart muscle dies due to oxygen deprivation.

27. Card 27

    A patient presents with symptoms of tiredness, shortness of breath, and ankle swelling. Which cardiovascular condition are these symptoms most indicative of, and what is the underlying mechanism?

    These symptoms are indicative of heart failure. The underlying mechanism is a structural or functional disorder of the heart, which leads to reduced cardiac output, meaning the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's metabolic demands, resulting in poor oxygen and nutrient delivery.

28. Card 28

    Which of the following describes the function of the left pump of the heart?

    A) Receives deoxygenated blood from tissues and sends it to pulmonary circulation. B) Receives oxygenated blood from lungs and pumps it to systemic circulation. C) Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. D) Returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium. Answer: B) The left pump receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to systemic circulation (the body).

29. Card 29

    Explain how the body uses vasodilation and vasoconstriction in the skin to regulate temperature, and describe the appearance of the skin in each state.

    When body temperature rises, vasodilation occurs, increasing blood flow near the skin surface. This allows more heat to be lost to the environment, making the skin appear red. Conversely, when the body needs to conserve heat, vasoconstriction reduces blood flow near the skin, which conserves heat and makes the skin appear pale.

30. Card 30

    A 65-year-old male with a history of hypertension and diabetes is experiencing chest pain. His doctor suspects a blockage in one of his coronary arteries. Given the information, which coronary artery, if blocked, is often referred to as the 'widow-maker' due to its critical supply area?

    The Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery is referred to as the 'widow-maker'. It supplies the front of the heart and the interventricular septum, and a blockage here can lead to extensive myocardial damage.

31. Card 31

    Describe the key principle governing the opening and closing of heart valves during the cardiac cycle.

    The key principle is that heart valves open and close due to pressure differences between the heart chambers and major vessels. This ensures that blood flows in one direction only, preventing backflow and maintaining efficient circulation.

32. Card 32

    A patient is diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease and requires a surgical intervention to restore blood flow to a blocked artery. The surgeon decides to create a new blood route around the blocked vessel. What is this surgical procedure called?

    This surgical procedure is called a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). It involves creating a new blood route around the blocked artery to restore adequate blood flow to the heart muscle.

33. Card 33

    Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for heart failure?

    A) Coronary artery disease B) Sedentary lifestyle C) Regular moderate exercise D) Previous myocardial infarction Answer: C) Regular moderate exercise is a protective factor against heart failure, not a risk factor. The other options are known risk factors.

34. Card 34

    Explain the role of the SA node in the heart's conduction system and what happens if it fails.

    The SA node, located in the right atrium, is the heart's natural pacemaker, firing 70-80 impulses per minute. If it fails, an artificial pacemaker device may be implanted to replace its impulse, delivering electrical signals directly to the heart muscle to maintain a regular rhythm.

35. Card 35

    An individual's skin appears unusually red after strenuous exercise on a hot day. Explain the physiological mechanism involving the cardiovascular and integumentary systems that causes this appearance.

    The redness is due to vasodilation in the skin's extensive vascular network. As body temperature rises, the hypothalamus activates vasodilation, increasing blood flow near the skin surface. This allows more heat to be lost to the environment, helping to cool the body down.

36. Card 36

    What is the primary function of the pulmonary trunk?

    A) Distributes oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body. B) Returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium. C) Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. D) Supplies the right atrium and right ventricle. Answer: C) The pulmonary trunk carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation.

37. Card 37

    Describe the three main stages of the cardiac cycle, including the state of the heart chambers and the movement of blood.

    The cardiac cycle includes atrial systole, where atria contract to push blood into the ventricles. This is followed by ventricular systole, where ventricles contract, pressure rises, and blood is pumped into the aorta and pulmonary trunk. Finally, relaxation/diastole occurs, during which the heart relaxes and the ventricles refill with blood.

38. Card 38

    A forensic scientist is examining a hair sample from a crime scene. What are two advantages of using hair for toxicological analysis compared to other biological samples?

    Hair toxicology offers a long detection window and provides a stable biological record. Additionally, it is difficult to tamper with and is useful when other samples are unavailable, making it valuable for generating DNA profiles and chemical/toxicological information.

39. Card 39

    Which of the following medications is primarily used to lower LDL cholesterol and slow plaque progression in patients with atherosclerosis?

    A) Diuretics B) Beta-blockers C) Statins D) Aspirin Answer: C) Statins are specifically prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol levels and help slow the progression of atherosclerotic plaques.

40. Card 40

    Explain the 'negative feedback loop' mechanism involved in maintaining body temperature when it rises.

    When body temperature rises, the hypothalamus activates sweat glands and causes vasodilation. Sweat evaporation and increased heat loss through the skin help cool the body, returning the temperature to its set point of 37 degrees Celsius.

41. Card 41

    Distinguish between the functions of eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.

    Eccrine sweat glands are located throughout the body, open onto the skin surface, secrete watery sweat, and primarily function in thermoregulation (cooling). Apocrine sweat glands are found in areas like armpits and groin, open into hair follicles, secrete a thicker substance, and become active at puberty, contributing to body odor after bacterial breakdown.

42. Card 42

    What are the three main layers of the skin and what is a key component or function of each?

    The three main layers are the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outer protective layer containing keratinocytes and melanocytes. The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles. The hypodermis consists of fat and connective tissue, providing insulation and cushioning.

43. Card 43

    A patient experiences chest pain due to reduced oxygen supply to the myocardium, but without actual tissue death. What is this condition called, and what would be the more severe outcome if the oxygen deprivation led to tissue death?

    The condition described is angina, which is chest pain resulting from reduced blood flow and oxygen to the myocardium. If the oxygen deprivation were severe enough to cause tissue death, it would result in a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

44. Card 44

    How does the integumentary system contribute to the body's first-line immune defense?

    The integumentary system, particularly the epidermis, acts as a physical barrier, preventing pathogens from entering the body. It also contains immune cells and contributes to wound healing, where the cardiovascular system delivers immune cells and nutrients for tissue repair, linking the integumentary, CV, and immune systems.

45. Card 45

    Which of the following describes the function of the Right Coronary Artery (RCA)?

    A) Supplies the front of the heart and interventricular septum. B) Supplies the left atrium and lateral wall of the left ventricle. C) Supplies the right atrium and right ventricle. D) Distributes oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body. Answer: C) The Right Coronary Artery (RCA) supplies the right atrium and right ventricle, and also contributes to the posterior descending artery.

46. Card 46

    A person has a complete blockage in a coronary artery, leading to a myocardial infarction. Explain the sequence of events that typically occurs in atherosclerosis leading to such a blockage.

    Atherosclerosis progresses as plaque forms in arterial walls and then grows. This plaque can eventually rupture, triggering the formation of a blood clot. This clot can then cause a partial or full blockage of the artery, leading to a myocardial infarction if it occurs in a coronary artery.

47. Card 47

    Why are changes in nail appearance considered clinical indicators?

    Changes in nail appearance can signal underlying health issues because they are made of keratin and protect fingertips. Alterations can indicate nutritional deficiencies, circulatory problems, or infections, providing valuable diagnostic clues for healthcare professionals.

48. Card 48

    What is the primary role of the superior vena cava in the cardiovascular system?

    A) To distribute oxygenated blood to the body. B) To carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. C) To return deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium. D) To supply the left atrium and left ventricle. Answer: C) The superior vena cava returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium, initiating its journey to the pulmonary circulation.

49. Card 49

    An individual experiences a cut on their skin. Describe the immediate cardiovascular response involved in wound healing.

    Immediately after a cut, blood vessels constrict to limit blood loss. Following this, platelets clot at the site of injury. The cardiovascular system then plays a crucial role by delivering immune cells and nutrients to the wound area to facilitate tissue repair and prevent infection.

50. Card 50

    How does the skin act as a 'blood reservoir' and what is its significance?

    The skin's extensive vascular network allows it to act as a temporary blood reservoir. This function is significant because it helps regulate systemic circulation by shunting blood to or from the skin as needed, for example, during temperature regulation or in response to changes in blood pressure.

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