Anatomy of the Heart Flashcards
(126 cards)
where is the heart located?
in the mediastinumbetween the sternum. vertebrae, and lungs
give the range of the weight of the heart in dogs
between 0.5-16 oz
give the weight range of the heart in horses
between 8-10lbs
where does about 2/3 of the mass of the heart lie?
on the left side of the midline of the body
describe the apex of the heart (location)
- bottom pointy part
- directed anteriorly, inferiorly, and to the left
describe the base of the heart
- basal part
- directed posteriorly, supreriorly, and to the right
what is the pericardium?
the sac of tissue (membrane) that protects the heart and holds it in place
how many parts does the pericardium have? list and describe location
- fibrous (most superficial)
- serous (innermost)
describe the fibrous portion of the pericardium (4; 3 are functions)
- outer, thicker layer made of tough, inelastic connective tissue
- prevents overstretching of the heart
- provides protection
- anchors heart to the mediastinum
describe the serous portion of the pericardium (2)
- more delicate, inner membrane layer
- has two parts that form a double layer around the heart: parietal and visceral
describe the visceral part of the serous portion of the pericardium; give an alternative name
adheres tightly to the surface of the heart; also called epicardium
what is found between the visceral and parietal layers of the serous portion of the percardium? what is its function?
pericardial fluid; reduces friction as the heart moves
what is pericarditis, generally?
inflammation of the pericardium
what are the 2 main types of pericarditis?
- acute
- chronic
describe acute pericarditis (how common, possible link, symptoms, duration, how treated)
- the most common type
- sudden onset with no known cause usually
- sometimes linked to viral infection
- chest pain that may extend to left shoulder and arm
- lasts about 1 week
- treat to reduce inflammation and pain
what are the 2 types of chronic pericarditis?
- effusive
- constrictive
escribe chronic pericarditis (generally, not the types yet)
- gradual onset, long lasting
- can be life threatening if great fluid accumulation
- most causes are unknown but sometimes related to cancer or TB
- treat by draining excess fluid through needle passed into pericardial cavity
describe effusive chronic pericarditis
more common, fluid-filling or accumulation
describe constrictive chronic pericarditis
fibrous scar tissue forms around the heart, meaning the heart can’t fill properly and leads to heart failure
how does fluid accumulation in chronic pericarditis lead to badness?
it compresses the heart, resulting in cardiac tamponade
list the 3 layers of the heart wall, from outer to innermost
- epicardium/ visceral serous pericardium
- myocardium
- endocardium
describe the epicardium of the heart wall
outermost, thin, transparent layer of the heart wall. also called visceral layer of serous pericardium
describe the myocardium of the heart wall (4)
- made of cardiac muscle tissue
- makes up the bulk of the heart
- responsible for the pumping action
- cardiac muscle fibers swirl diagonally around the heart in bundles
describe the endocardium of the heart wall (4)
- thin layer of endothelium overlying a thin layer of connective tissue
- privides smooth lining for chambers of the heart
- covers valves of the heart
- continuous with endothelial lining of large blood vessels attached to the heart