Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
7 cards from real Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Anatomy and Physiology flashcards as text
When antecubital veins are inaccessible, which alternative venipuncture site is commonly used?
Answer: Dorsal hand veins
Dorsal hand veins are an acceptable alternative venipuncture site when antecubital veins cannot be accessed, though they are smaller and more sensitive, requiring a smaller gauge needle.
In the cardiac cycle, what does the QRS complex on an ECG represent?
Answer: Ventricular depolarization
The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization — the electrical event that triggers contraction of both ventricles to eject blood into the pulmonary and systemic circulations.
Which description best defines the function and structure of capillaries?
Answer: Microscopic, single-cell-thick vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs between blood and tissues
Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels, with walls only one endothelial cell thick, allowing efficient diffusion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between blood and surrounding tissues.
What is the primary oxygen-carrying protein found within red blood cells?
Answer: Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen in the lungs, transports it through the bloodstream, and releases it to oxygen-deprived tissues.
What is one primary function of the lymphatic vessels in relation to the circulatory system?
Answer: Returning excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream
Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid (lymph) that has leaked from capillaries into interstitial spaces and return it to the venous circulation, maintaining fluid balance and supporting immune function.
Which cardiac valves prevent backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria during ventricular contraction?
Answer: Atrioventricular (AV) valves
The atrioventricular valves — the mitral valve on the left and tricuspid valve on the right — close when ventricles contract, preventing backflow of blood into the atria.
What does the term 'hematocrit' refer to in a complete blood count?
Answer: The percentage of total blood volume occupied by red blood cells
Hematocrit is the percentage of whole blood volume that consists of packed red blood cells; normal adult values are approximately 38–48% for females and 42–52% for males.