Mastering the Cardiovascular System for the TEAS 7 Exam

The cardiovascular system is the body’s lifeline, ensuring oxygen, nutrients, and hormones reach every cell while removing waste. Mastering its structure and function is key to acing the TEAS 7 Anatomy & Physiology section!

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the cardiovascular system for the TEAS 7 exam, including its components, functions, interaction with other systems, and common factors affecting its performance.

Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System for the TEAS 7 Exam

The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, which work together to maintain circulation and ensure the efficient transport of essential substances.

Here are some key tips to remember about the anatomy of the cardiovascular system for the TEAS 7 exam:

The Heart: The Body’s Pump

The heart is a muscular organ located in the thoracic cavity, slightly left of the midline. It consists of four chambers: 

• Atria (Right & Left): The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, while the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs. 

• Ventricles (Right & Left): The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body.

Other key structures of the heart:

• Valves (Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral, and Aortic) prevent backflow of blood. 

• The septum separates the left and right sides of the heart. 

• The myocardium is the thick muscular layer responsible for contraction. 

Blood Vessels: The Highway of Circulation

Blood vessels form an extensive network for transporting blood. They include:

• Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs). 

• Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood toward the heart (except the pulmonary veins, which carry oxygenated blood from the lungs). 

• Capillaries: Tiny blood vessels where gas, nutrient, and waste exchange occurs.   

Functions of the Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system ensures that cells receive the oxygen and nutrients they need while removing waste products. Key functions include:   

• Circulating Oxygen & Nutrients: Oxygen-rich blood is delivered to tissues while nutrients from the digestive system are transported throughout the body.   

• Removing Waste: Carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products are carried to the lungs and kidneys for excretion.   

• Regulating Body Temperature: Blood vessels expand (vasodilation) to release heat and contract (vasoconstriction) to conserve heat.   

• Immune Defense: White blood cells in the blood fight infections.   

• Hormone Transport: The system carries hormones from endocrine glands to target organs.   

Interaction with the Respiratory System

The cardiovascular and respiratory systems work together to maintain oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal.   

• Pulmonary Circulation: The right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is released.   

• Systemic Circulation: The left side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body. 

• Gas Exchange: Occurs in the capillary-alveolar interface within the lungs, where oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide exits.   

Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Health

The cardiovascular system plays a vital role in keeping the body functioning properly, but various factors can influence its efficiency.

Lifestyle choices, genetics, aging, and diseases all impact heart health and circulation. Understanding these influences can help in identifying potential risks and maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. 

• Lifestyle Choices: A poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, and stress can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. 

• Genetic Conditions: Disorders like congenital heart defects and arrhythmias can impact heart function. 

• Aging: Blood vessels lose elasticity over time, increasing the risk of hypertension.  

• Diseases & Infections: Conditions like atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries), heart attacks, and infections (e.g., endocarditis) can impair heart function.   

Common Disorders of the Cardiovascular System for the TEAS 7 Exam

When the cardiovascular system is compromised, it can lead to serious health conditions that affect circulation, oxygen delivery, and overall function.

For the TEAS 7 exam, it’s important to recognize common cardiovascular disorders, their causes, and their effects on the body. Here’s a breakdown of key conditions you should know. 

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): Increased force against artery walls can lead to heart disease. 

• Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in arteries restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction): Blockage of coronary arteries leads to heart tissue damage. 

• Stroke: A clot or rupture in brain arteries disrupts blood flow, causing brain damage. 

• Congestive heart failure: The heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and extremities. 

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats (too fast, too slow, or erratic) can affect circulation. 

• Anemia: Low red blood cell count reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, causing fatigue and weakness.   

Key Takeaways for the A&P Section of the TEAS 7 Exam

To excel on the A&P section of the TEAS 7 exam, remember these cardiovascular system highlights:   

• Heart Structures & Function: Know the atria, ventricles, valves, and blood flow direction. 

• Circulatory Pathways: Understand pulmonary and systemic circulation and their differences. 

• Blood Vessels & Blood Flow: Identify arteries, veins, and capillaries and their roles. 

• Cardiovascular Disorders: Be familiar with conditions affecting blood pressure, heart function, and oxygen transport.

FREE TEAS 7 Practice Questions

Put this knowledge to practice in helping you prepare for the TEAS 7 with Archer Review’s free TEAS 7 QBank—featuring over 2,000 questions covering all of the goals and objectives for the exam.

Get More TEAS 7 Exam Resources

To support students in excelling on the TEAS 7, Archer Review provides a range of resources designed to guide you through every stage of preparation.

• Attend our FREE Webinars covering all TEAS subjects. For those needing personalized support, our TEAS 7 Tutoring Services connect you with experienced tutors who can help clarify tough concepts and address specific challenges. 

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With Archer Review, you have everything you need to confidently prepare for the TEAS 7 and achieve success!