Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

19. The Blood Vessels

Arteries

Anatomy & Physiology

19. The Blood Vessels

Arteries

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3:45 minutes

Problem 21

Textbook Question

Trace one drop of blood from the time it enters the right atrium of the heart until it enters the left atrium. What is this circuit called?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by identifying the starting point of the blood drop in the right atrium. Blood enters the right atrium from the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, or coronary sinus, carrying deoxygenated blood from the body.

Step 2: From the right atrium, the blood passes through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. The tricuspid valve ensures one-way flow and prevents backflow into the atrium.

Step 3: The right ventricle contracts, pushing the blood through the pulmonary semilunar valve into the pulmonary trunk. The blood then travels through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs. This marks the beginning of the pulmonary circuit, which is responsible for oxygenating the blood.

Step 4: In the lungs, gas exchange occurs. Carbon dioxide is released from the blood into the alveoli, and oxygen is absorbed into the blood. The now oxygenated blood returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins.

Step 5: The oxygenated blood enters the left atrium of the heart, completing the pulmonary circuit. This circuit is specifically called the pulmonary circulation, which is distinct from systemic circulation.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Circulatory System

The circulatory system is a complex network responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body. It consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Understanding this system is crucial for tracing the path of blood and recognizing how it supports bodily functions.

Pulmonary Circulation

Pulmonary circulation refers to the pathway of blood flow from the right side of the heart to the lungs and back to the left side of the heart. This circuit is essential for oxygenating blood, as it allows carbon dioxide to be expelled and oxygen to be absorbed. It begins when deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium and ends when oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium.

Cardiac Cycle

The cardiac cycle encompasses the sequence of events that occur during one heartbeat, including the contraction and relaxation of the heart chambers. It is divided into systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation). Understanding the cardiac cycle is important for comprehending how blood moves through the heart and the timing of blood flow during the pulmonary circuit.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Identify the superficial structures in the following diagram of the heart.

a. ___

b. ___

c. ___

d. ___

e. ___

f. ___

g. ___

h. ___

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Textbook Question

Fill in the blanks: The coronary arteries are the first branches off the ________. The right coronary artery becomes the ________ on the posterior side of the heart. The left coronary artery branches into the ________ and the ________.

Predict which would be more damaging to long-term survival: a blood clot lodged in the right coronary artery or one in the left coronary artery. Explain.

Florita Santos, a middle-aged woman, is admitted to the coronary care unit with a diagnosis of left ventricular failure resulting from a myocardial infarction. Her history indicates that she awoke in the middle of the night with severe chest pain. Her skin is pale and cold, and moist sounds are heard over the lower regions of both lungs. Explain how failure of the left ventricle can cause these signs and symptoms.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The pulmonary circuit delivers blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs to become oxygenated.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The tunica media consists of smooth muscle cells innervated by vasomotor nerves.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions and a decreased concentration of oxygen in the interstitial fluid cause local arteriolar constriction.

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which of the following are associated with aging?

a. Increasing blood pressure

b. Weakening of venous valves

c. Arteriosclerosis

d. Collapse of the ductus arteriosus

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