Chapter 16: Cardiovascular System
Study Guide
Answer the following questions on notebook paper. Skip lines between the questions (not between each line). You do not have to answer these in complete sentences.
1. The main purpose of the circulatory system is to transport substances. List 3 specific examples of substances that are transported by the circulatory system.
oxygen, carbon dioxide, and blood cells
2. What is the heart’s main purpose?
to pump blood throughout the body in order to transport nutrients and wastes
3. How do coronary, pulmonary, and systemic circulation differ?
coronary—sends blood to the heart
pulmonary—sends blood to the lungs
systemic—sends blood to the body
4. Briefly define the function of the following: atrium, ventricle, septum, artery, vein, capillary, valve, oxygenated blood, and deoxygenated blood.
atrium—holding chamber
ventricle—pumping chamber
septum—part of the heart that separates the left side from the right side
artery—blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart
vein—blood vessels that carry blood to the heart
capillary—smallest vessels; connects arteries and veins
valve—flap of tissue that keeps blood flowing in one direction
oxygenated blood—blood that picks up oxygen in the lungs
deoxygenated blood—blood that releases oxygen in the body and picks up CO2
5. The force of blood on the walls of blood vessels defines what?
blood pressure
6. Distinguish between systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.
systolic—top number—measures ventricular contractions
diastolic—bottom number—measure ventricular relaxation
7. What is a cardiovascular disease? Name and briefly describe two of these diseases.
Cardiovascular disease affects the hearts and blood vessels.
hypertension—high blood pressure
atherosclerosis—hardening of the arteries (restricts blood flow)
8. What part of the blood is liquid? What part of the blood is solid?
liquid = plasma
solid = cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets)
9. List the 3 solid subparts of the blood (cells and cell fragment). Tell the function of each.
red blood cells—carry oxygen and carbon dioxide
white blood cells—help fight infection
platelets—produce fibrin and help blood clot
10. Briefly explain the function and importance of hemoglobin.
Red blood cells are made mostly of hemoglobin which is a protein that chemically binds to oxygen molecules.
11. List the 4 blood types. Explain which type of blood can be received by each.
A—can receive A or O
B—can receive B or O
AB—can receive A, B, AB, or O
O—can receive O
**Rh+ blood types can receive both + and – blood; however, Rh- blood types can only receive – blood.
12. What will happen if improperly matched blood types, or Rh types are mixed?
You can form clots. In some cases, this could lead to death.
While not required for this study guide, you are also responsible for knowing the following material.
1. the flow or path of blood
right atrium—tricuspid valve—right ventricle—pulmonary valve—pulmonary artery—lungs—pulmonary vein—left atrium—mitral valve—left ventricle— aortic valve—aorta—body—superior/inferior vena cava
2. similarities and differences between arteries, capillaries, and veins
artery—carry blood away from heart; largest blood vessel (aorta); measures the highest blood pressure; thickest blood vessels; contain a layer of smooth muscle
vein—carry blood to the heart; contains valves; contain a layer of smooth muscle; example = superior/inferior vena cava
capillary—smallest vessels; connect arteries and veins; one cell layer thick
3. similarities and differences between RBC’s, WBC’s, and platelets
red blood cells—contain hemoglobin to carry oxygen
white blood cells—fights infection
platelets—release fibrin to help clot blood; plugs holes in vessels
Cells in order from most numerous to least = RBCs, Platelets, WBCs
****It is always a good idea to re-read the chapter and review all section review/end of the chapter questions when preparing for a test.