The Cardiovascular System

Question 1

Name the basic structure of the cardiovascular system:

Answer 1

the heart
the blood
the blood vessels

Question 2

Name the main circuits of the cardiovascular system:

Answer 2

Systemic

Pulmonary

Question 3

Define blood pressure:

Answer 3

The force exerted by blood on walls of blood vessels

Question 4

What factors affect blood pressure?

Answer 4

the force of the heart beat
the volume of blood in the cardiovascular system
resistance to the flow of blood in the arteries
the viscosity of the blood

Question 5

What may cause a change in blood pressure?

Answer 5

a decrease in volume, eg blood loss, causes a drop in pressure

an increase in volume, eg fluid retention, causes an increase in pressure

activity/exercise/massage/heat

Question 6

List the common pathologies of the cardiovascular system:

Answer 6

angina
deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
stroke

Question 7

Describe varicose veins:

Answer 7

A valve in the vein becomes deformed causing blood to collect. The vein swells and blood can seep into surrounding tissues.

Question 8

Can you perform a treatment over varicose veins?

Answer 8

No. Avoid the area and do not apply pressure to the area.

Question 9

What is erythema?

Answer 9

Increased circulation in the tiny capillaries near the skin’s surface. It appears as reddening of the skin.