The pulmonary vasculature refers to the network of blood vessels associated with the lungs, responsible for facilitating the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the lungs and the bloodstream.
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CVS Physiology Lecture # 18 Study Notes: Nodal Action Potential
The nodal action potential is a specialized electrical event that occurs in certain cells within the heart’s conduction system, particularly in the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. These action potentials play a fundamental role in orchestrating the rhythmic and coordinated contractions of the heart.
CVS Physiology Lecture # 11 Study Notes: Autoregulation – Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a vital signaling molecule that plays a multifaceted role in various biological processes within the human body. Discovered in the late 1970s, it was initially considered an air pollutant before its physiological significance was recognized.
CVS Physiology Lecture # 20 Study Notes: Ventricular Action Potential
The ventricular action potential is a complex electrical event that governs the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart’s ventricles, the main pumping chambers. It comprises distinct phases, each characterized by specific changes in membrane potential due to the sequential opening and closing of ion channels.
Physiology Lecture # 6 Study Notes: Hemodynamics – Vascular Resistance
Hemodynamics refers to the study of the forces and flow of blood within the cardiovascular system. Within this intricate system, vascular resistance plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow and maintaining optimal tissue perfusion.
Vascular resistance is a measure of the opposition encountered by blood as it travels through the blood vessels. It is primarily determined by three factors: vessel radius, vessel length, and blood viscosity.
CVS Physiology Lecture # 8 Study Notes: Hemodynamics – Reynolds Number
The Reynolds Number is a dimensionless quantity used in fluid mechanics to predict the behavior of fluid flow. It’s named after Osborne Reynolds, who first described it in the late 19th century. The Reynolds Number (Re) is defined as the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces within a fluid flow system.
Physiology Lecture # 6 Study Notes: Hemodynamics – Vascular Compliance
Vascular compliance refers to the ability of blood vessels to stretch and expand in response to pressure changes while maintaining their structural integrity. It’s a crucial physiological parameter that influences blood pressure regulation and overall cardiovascular health.
Physiology Lecture # 5 Study Notes: Hemodynamics – Poiseuille’s Equation
Poiseuille’s equation, named after the French physicist Jean Louis Marie Poiseuille, describes the steady, laminar flow of a viscous fluid through a cylindrical pipe. It’s a fundamental equation in fluid dynamics and plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of fluids in various systems, such as blood flow in arteries or the flow of liquids in pipes.
CVS Physiology Lecture # 12 Study Notes: Autoregulation – Muscle Blood Flow
Muscle blood flow refers to the circulation of blood within the muscles of the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. This process is essential for muscle function during both rest and physical activity.
Physiology Lecture # 1 Study Notes: General Principles of Cardiovascular Physiology
General principles of cardiovascular physiology encompass the fundamental concepts that govern the functioning of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood. These principles are vital to understanding how blood is circulated, how oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues, and how waste products are removed.