Cardiovascular Physiology
Definition of Terms. ‘Cardio’ means ‘Heart’ ‘Vascular’ means ‘Blood vessels’ Cardiovascular system is a closed system of the heart (which pumps blood) and blood vessels (which allow blood to circulate to all parts of the body). Various components of the Cardiovascular System and their Functions. The Heart Muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. Generates and propagates the cardiac electrical impulses Arteries Transports blood under high pressure and maintain blood flow at high velocities Arterioles Maintain blood flow in response to tissue demand Capillaries Exchange water, gases, nutrients, hormones, cytokines and other substances between the vascular system and interstitium. Venules Transport blood from capillaries into veins Veins Transport blood under low pressure from venules into heart; also serve as controllable blood reservoir THE HEART Heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the circulatory system....