NCMCOA Crossword Puzzle- Cardiovascular
Across
- 3. The thick muscular layer of the heart wall that contracts to propel blood during the heartbeat.
- 10. These blood vessels carry blood back toward the heart and often contain valves to prevent backflow.
- 12. A congenital defect where the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart has a hole.
- 15. These are the two lower heart chambers responsible for pumping blood out of the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body.
- 16. A rare but serious inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, usually caused by infection.
- 17. A condition in which a person’s heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.
- 19. A sudden loss of blood supply to the brain, often caused by a clot or burst blood vessel.
- 20. Often called a heart attack, this occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked.
- 21. A type of irregular heartbeat that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
Down
- 1. A condition in which the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque, reducing blood flow.
- 2. The rhythmic expansion and contraction of arteries as blood is pumped.
- 4. This condition is marked by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- 5. This connective tissue, composed of plasma and cells, transports oxygen, hormones, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body.
- 6. These thick-walled blood vessels transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body's tissues, under high pressure.
- 7. These immune system cells are responsible for defending the body against infections, diseases, and foreign substances.
- 8. A condition where a heart valve doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to flow backward.
- 9. This central muscular organ has four chambers and is responsible for pumping oxygenated and deoxygenated blood throughout the body.
- 11. These microscopic blood vessels are the site of gas, nutrient, and waste exchange between blood and body tissues.
- 13. The largest artery in the body that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the systemic circulation.
- 14. A chronic condition where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should, leading to fluid buildup and fatigue.
- 18. These are the two upper chambers of the heart where blood is received from the body and lungs.