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Module 1: Anatomical Bases

Lesson 6: Cardio-Vascular and AP Functional Circulatory

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CIRCULATORY SYSTEM OVERVIEW

  • Distributes oxygen and food throughout the body
  • Collects carbon dioxide and excretory products from cells

Components:

  • Circulatory fluid: Blood
  • Pump: Heart
  • Tubes: Blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries) and lymphatic vessels

ANATOMY OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Four Linked Parts:

  1. Heart: Motor part; initiates blood circulation
  2. Blood Vessels:
    • Arteries: Carry blood from heart to body
      • Inner Layer: Endothelium + elastic membrane
      • Tunica Media: Muscular + elastic fibers (thickest layer)
      • Tunica Adventitia: Superficial protective layer
    • Capillaries: Connect arterial and venous systems; site of substance and gas exchange
    • Veins: Carry blood to the heart; same layers as arteries but thinner and less muscular

Function:

  • Blood travels: Heart → Arteries → Capillaries → Veins → Heart → Lungs → Heart → Tissues

HEART ANATOMY

General Characteristics:

  • Hollow muscular organ functioning as a double pump
    • Pulmonary Circulation: To lungs for oxygenation
    • Systemic Circulation: To body for distribution

Location:

  • Central thorax, above diaphragm, between lungs
  • Behind sternum, from 2nd rib to 5th intercostal space

Four Cavities:

  • Atria: Right (receives from venae cavae), Left (receives from lungs)
  • Ventricles: Right (sends to lungs), Left (sends to body via aorta)

Valves:

  • Right atrium to right ventricle: Tricuspid valve
  • Left atrium to left ventricle: Mitral valve

Functional View:

  • Right Side: Receives venous blood, sends to lungs
  • Left Side: Receives oxygenated blood, sends to tissues

MAIN VEINS AND ARTERIES

Veins:

  • Pulmonary Veins: Lungs → Left atrium
  • Venae Cavae (Superior and Inferior): Body → Right atrium

Arteries:

  • Pulmonary Arteries: Right ventricle → Lungs
  • Aorta: Left ventricle → Body
  • Carotids: Head
  • Subclavian: Arms
  • Hepatic: Liver
  • Splenic: Spleen
  • Mesenteric: Intestine
  • Renal: Kidneys
  • Iliacs: Legs

HEART RATE

Phases:

  • Systole: Contraction, closure of atrioventricular valves, opening of sigmoid valves
  • Diastole: Relaxation, heart fills with blood

CARDIAC MUSCLE CHARACTERISTICS

  • Automatism: Functions automatically
  • Excitability: Self-exciting
  • Conductivity: Conducts impulses without CNS

Innervation:

  • Pneumogastric Nerves: Slow contraction
  • Sympathetic Nerves: Speed contraction

Heart Rate Ranges:

  • Normal Adults: 60–100 bpm
  • Babies: 100–150 bpm
  • Tachycardia: >100 bpm
  • Bradycardia: <60 bpm
  • Irregular rhythm: Arrhythmia

CIRCULATORY PATHWAYS

Pulmonary (Minor) Circulation:

  • Right Ventricle → Pulmonary Arteries → Lungs → Gas Exchange → Pulmonary Veins → Left Atrium

Systemic (Major) Circulation:

  • Left Ventricle → Aorta → Body → Venae Cavae → Right Atrium

Coronary Circulation:

  • Supplies heart muscle via coronary arteries

THE BLOOD

Function:

  • Transport of essential substances and gases
  • Takes place primarily in capillaries

Volume:

  • Males: 5–6 L
  • Females: 4–5 L

Components:

  • Plasma: 55%, mainly water, ~10% proteins (albumin, globulins)
  • Cellular Elements: 45% (Hematocrit)

Blood Cells:

  • Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Carry oxygen via hemoglobin; production via erythropoietin (EPO)
  • White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Defense function
    • Polymorphonuclear: Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils
    • Mononuclear: Lymphocytes, Monocytes
  • Platelets (Thrombocytes): Plug vascular wounds; cell fragments from bone marrow

ADAPTATIONS IN THE BLOOD (EXERCISE)

  • Haemoconcentration: ↓Plasma, ↑Hematocrit, ↑Viscosity
  • Hemoglobin: ↑During exercise, ↓Post-exercise
  • Red cell destruction: ↑With strenuous effort
  • Leukocyte count: ↑With exercise
  • Moderate regular activity: ↑Immune capacity
  • Intensive training: ↓Immune response
  • Platelets: ↑Number and size
  • Training reduces hypercoagulant tendency

CIRCULATORY ADAPTATIONS TO EXERCISE

  • Increased Cardiac Output
  • Elevated Blood Pressure
  • Blood Flow Redistribution
  • Enhanced Venous Return
  • Cardiac Adaptations
  • Regulation of Cardiovascular Adjustments

Mechanisms:

Between 100–170 bpm, HR correlates with effort; beyond, no direct correlation

  • Heart rate & ventricular ejection
  • Mean arterial pressure due to stronger contractions and vasoconstriction
  • Arteriolar changes: Vasoconstriction (inactive zones), Vasodilation (active zones)
  • HR increase linked to intensity, duration, emotional state, temperature, humidity, fitness
  • In submaximal exercise, output increases due to stronger ventricular systole

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