AN5.1-8 | General features of the cardiovascular system — Summary & Reflection

REFLECT

KEY TAKEAWAYS

General CVS Features — Key Points:

1. Arteries: elastic (windkessel), muscular (flow distribution), arterioles (resistance), capillaries (exchange)
2. Anastomoses: pre-formed (loop, arcade, network) allow collateral flow; absent in end arteries
3. Portal systems: hepatic (nutrients → liver) + hypophyseal (hypothalamic hormones → pituitary)
4. Fetal shunts: foramen ovale (RA→LA), ductus arteriosus (PA→aorta), ductus venosus (UV→IVC) — all close at birth
5. Lymphatics: thoracic duct drains all except right thorax/arm/head-neck (→ right lymphatic duct)
6. End arteries: central retinal, labyrinthine → true end arteries → instant infarction on occlusion
7. Collaterals: develop with SLOW occlusion (time for arteriogenesis); fail to protect in acute occlusion