2 Heart and Vascular Anatomy Free Online FlashCards

What is the main role of the atria?

The atria receive blood returning to the heart.

What separates the heart’s right and left sides?

The septum separates the heart’s right and left sides.

Where does each side of the heart send blood?

The right side sends blood to the lungs; the left side sends blood to the body.

Which valve lies between the right atrium and right ventricle?

The tricuspid valve lies between the right atrium and right ventricle.

What kind of blood does the pulmonary artery carry?

It carries oxygen-poor blood away from the heart toward the lungs.

What is the order of blood flow through the vessel network?

Arteries → arterioles → capillaries → venules → veins.

What defines an artery, and what adapts its wall to its role?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart. Their thick, elastic, muscular walls help withstand higher pressure.

How do arterioles regulate blood flow?

Their smooth muscle can narrow or widen them, regulating blood entering capillary beds and helping control resistance to flow.

How are capillaries adapted for exchange?

Their walls are one cell layer thick, allowing gases, nutrients, and wastes to exchange between blood and tissues.

What do venules do after blood passes through capillaries?

Venules receive blood from capillaries and join together to form veins.

How are veins structured for returning blood to the heart?

Veins return blood toward the heart. They generally have thinner walls and larger lumens than comparable arteries; many have valves that help prevent backward flow.

What is the main role of the ventricles?

The ventricles pump blood out of the heart.