BIO 238 Study Guide
The Circulation
1. Describe and compare the structures, locations, and functions of the following components of the circulation: elastic (conducting) arteries, muscular (distributing) arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins. Terms: tunica interna (intima), tunica media, tunica externa (adventitia), endothelium, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, vasa vasorum.
2. Explain the function of metarterioles and thoroughfare channels in providing an arteriovenous anastomosis or shunt between arterioles and venules. Identify locations where these shunts are important. Term: precapillary sphincter.
3. Distinguish the various types of capillaries and their functions and locations: continuous capillaries, discontinuous capillaries (sinusoids), fenestrated capillaries.
4. Describe the structural characteristics of veins and related structures which allow them to act as blood reservoirs (capacitance vessels). Terms: venous semilunar valves, skeletal muscular "pump".
5. Describe the following disease processes of arteries and veins including etiology, structural changes and their effects on normal function: atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, varicose veins. Terms: HDL, LDL, thrombus, embolus, infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, ischemia, phlebitis, aneurysm.
6. Describe the relationship between blood pressure, velocity and total cross-sectional area of the major vascular components, and the importance of these to functions of each component. Terms: pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, pressure gradient.
7. Describe the process of filtration and return of fluid in the capillaries and its importance to transport. Terms: hydrostatic pressure, osmosis, osmotic pressure.
8. Identify the factors and functions which affect blood pressure and distribution and describe their control through the vasomotor center. Describe how distribution varies to major organs under demands of strenuous exercise vs. resting conditions. Terms: baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, higher brain centers, sympathetic division, parasympathetic division, hypertension, hypotension.
9. Describe how autoregulation works to control blood flow and compare its functioning in skeletal muscle, brain, heart, skin, and lungs.
10. Identify the effects of the following on blood distribution and pressure: "Fight or Flight" mechanism, epinephrine, alcohol, body temperature, nicotine.
11. Describe each of the following special circulatory pathways with regard to vascular components, locations, characteristics, and functions: Circle of Willis, hepatic portal system, coronary circulation. Terms: hepatic portal vein, liver sinusoids, anterior and posterior communicating arteries, basilar artery, coronary arteries (right, left), circumflex artery, anterior interventricular artery, posterior interventricular artery, marginal artery, middle cardiac vein, great cardiac vein, coronary sinus.
12. Identify the organ or region of the body served by each of the following: carotid artery (common, internal, external, sinus) jugular vein (internal, external), vertebral arteries, aortic arch, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, brachiocephalic a&v, subclavian a&v, axillary a&v, brachial a&v, radial a&v, ulnar a&v, cephalic vein, basilic vein, iliac &v (common, internal, external), femoral a&v, popliteal a&v, tibial (anterior, posterior) a&v, peroneal a&v, celiac trunk, gastric a&v, hepatic a&v, splenic a&v, superior mesenteric a&v, inferior mesenteric a&v, renal a&v, adrenal a&v, gonadal a&v.
13. Describe the fetal circulation of the blood and its differences with post-partum circulation. Include locations and functions of each of the following: placenta and placental vessels, umbilical arteries, umbilical vein, ductus venosus, ductus arteriosus, foramen ovale. Describe what normally happens to these structures after birth. Terms: patent ductus, atrial septal defect.
Revised: September 17, 2006