Circulatory and Respiratory system DEFINITIONS

White blood cells

They are the cells in the blood that fight against infections and diseases

Platelet

They are the cells in the blood that clot to prevent bleeding.

Plasma

They are the cells in the blood which carry the oxygen and nutrients that the body needs.

Artery

A type of blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart and to the rest of the body.

Vein

A type of blood vessel that carries de-oxygenated blood to the heart

Capillary

A type of blood vessel that connects the arteries to the veins.

Atrium

The two chambers on the upper side of the heart. They receive blood from the veins and then force it through the valves to the ventricles.

Ventricle

The two chambers on the lower side of the heart. They pump blood into the pulmonary artery to the lungs.

Aorta

The main artery of the body that pumps oxygenated blood to the body.

Vena cava

A vein which carries de-oxygenated blood to the heart.

Pulmonary vein

the vein that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.

Pulmonary artery

the artery that carries de-oxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation.

Coronary artery

an artery that supplies blood to the heart.

Cellular respiration

Cellular respiration is the process/chemical reaction in our body that provides our body with energy.

Trachea

The windpipe that connects the larynx to the lungs.

Pharynx

The pharynx, also known as throat, is the passage that allows oxygen to enter the lungs.

Bronchus

The major air passages of the lungs which separate from the windpipe.

Bronchiole

A tiny branch which is connected to the bronchus

Alveolus

A tiny air sac in the lungs which allows for rapid gaseous exchange.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle that helps you breathe and separates the lungs from your stomach and intestines.

System

A group of related parts that move or work together to make something happen or work

Red blood cells

They are the cells in the blood that carry oxygen.

Diffusion

The process where molecules move from a high concentration to a low concentration. For example: when oxygen enters the lungs there is a high concentration, however when it enters the blood there is a low concentration.

Inhalation

The process where we take in a certain amount of air from the atmosphere.

Exhalation

The process where we expel air from our lungs into the atmosphere.

Gas Exchange

Gas exchange is the process of the two different gases in our body being swapped from one blood vessel to another.

Cellular Respiration equation

oxygen + glucose = carbon dioxide + water (+ energy)