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9.1 Name the major cells that make up the vessels and organs of the cardiovascular system.
A: The cardiovascular system is made up of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins and lymphatics
9.2 Describe the major functions of endothelial cells.
A: The major functions of endothelial cells are to participate in the regulation of vascular tone, haemostasis, and in the migration of leucocytes.
9.3 List major features of the two types of muscle cell of the cardiovascular system.
A: The major features of cardiovascular muscle cells are that cardiomyocytes are striated and can constrict and relax spontaneously, whereas smooth muscle cells are not striated and require stimuli in order to constrict.
9.4 What other cells are found in the cardiovascular system?
A: Other cells of the cardiovascular system include macrophages, fibroblasts, pericytes and adipocytes.
9.5 Describe the structure of an artery.
A: An artery consists of three parts. The innermost layer (the intima) is a single layer of endothelial cells. The middle section (the media) is dominated by smooth muscle cells. The outer coating (the adventitia) is a loose collection of connective tissue and supporting cells (Figure 8.3).
9.6 How do capillaries differ from arterioles?
A: Capillaries differ from arterioles in lacking a media and an adventitia.
9.7 Describe the architecture of veins.
A: Veins are characterised by thinner walls than arteries, and by the presence of valves. Like arteries, large veins have an adventitia.
9.8 What are the key features of the lymphatics?
A: The lymphatics are capillary-like vessels that carry lymph fluid and lymphocytes through a chain of lymph nodes, ultimately draining in to the venous circulation near the heart.
9.9 Describe the different types of cell that make up the heart.
A: The heart is made up of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, with a small number of macrophages and fibroblasts.
9.10 Describe how the cardiac cycle is regulated.
A: The cardiac cycle is regulated by impulses from the sinoatrial node (which stimulate contraction of the atria) and the atrioventricular node (which stimulate the contraction of the ventricles).
9.11 What are the major disease of the circulation?
A: Key diseases of the cardiovascular system include those of the heart (valve disease, cardiomyopathy, coronary atherosclerosis), artery (atherosclerosis and aneurysm) and vein (VTE, including DVT and PE).