Cardiovascular System Flashcard

Front

What is the primary organ of the cardiovascular system?

Back

Heart

Answer explanation

The heart is the primary organ of the cardiovascular system, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining circulation and supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

Front

What is the primary function of arteries in the circulatory system?

Back

Carry blood away from the heart

Answer explanation

The primary function of arteries is to carry blood away from the heart, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the body's tissues. This distinguishes them from veins, which carry blood back to the heart.

Front

What is the primary function of veins in the circulatory system?

Back

Carry blood towards the heart

Answer explanation

Veins are responsible for carrying blood towards the heart, collecting deoxygenated blood from the body and returning it to the heart for reoxygenation. This distinguishes them from arteries, which carry blood away from the heart.

Front

Function of the Superior Vena Cava?

Back

Brings blood from the upper body (head/arms)

Answer explanation

The Superior Vena Cava is responsible for bringing deoxygenated blood from the upper body, including the head and arms, back to the heart. This makes the correct answer 'Brings blood from the upper body (head/arms)'.

Front

Where does the Inferior Vena Cava empty its blood?

Back

Right Atrium

Answer explanation

The Inferior Vena Cava collects deoxygenated blood from the lower body and empties it into the Right Atrium, which is the correct answer. The other options do not receive blood directly from the Inferior Vena Cava.

Front

What is true about both the Superior and Inferior Vena Cava?

Back

They are both large, valveless veins

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that both the Superior and Inferior Vena Cava are large, valveless veins. They do not pump blood to the lungs, nor do they bring oxygenated blood to the heart; instead, they return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.

Front

What is the primary function of the right atrium in the heart?

Back

To receive oxygen-depleted blood from the body

Answer explanation

The primary function of the right atrium is to receive oxygen-depleted blood from the body, which it collects from the superior and inferior vena cavae before sending it to the right ventricle for pulmonary circulation.

Front

Where does the right atrium push the blood after receiving it?

Back

Into the right ventricle

Answer explanation

The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pushes it into the right ventricle, which then sends it to the lungs for oxygenation. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Into the right ventricle'.

Front

What is the primary function of the tricuspid valve in the heart?

Back

To allow blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle

Answer explanation

The primary function of the tricuspid valve is to allow blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle, ensuring proper circulation within the heart. It does not pump blood or regulate the heartbeat.

Front

What does the tricuspid valve prevent?

Back

Backflow of blood

Answer explanation

The tricuspid valve prevents backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium during contraction, ensuring proper blood flow through the heart.