cardiovascular and lymphoid system Flashcards
(443 cards)
Where is the base of the fibrous pericardium attached?
It is attached to the central tendon of the diaphragm and a small muscular area of the diaphragm on the left side.
What is the function of the fibrous pericardium?
It retains the heart in position in the thoracic cavity and limits cardiac distention.
What are the anterior attachments of the fibrous pericardium?
It is attached to the posterior surface of the sternum by the sternopericardial ligaments.
Which nerves pass through and innervate the fibrous pericardium?
The phrenic nerves (C3 to C5) pass through and innervate the fibrous pericardium.
How are the parietal and visceral layers connected?
They are continuous around the roots of the great vessels at two main reflections:
Superiorly → Surrounding the aorta and pulmonary trunk
Posteriorly → Surrounding the superior and inferior vena cava and the pulmonary veins
What are the two layers of the serous pericardium?
Parietal layer → Lines the inner surface of the fibrous pericardium
Visceral layer (epicardium) → Covers the heart itself
What vessels supply the fibrous pericardium?
It is supplied by the pericardiacophrenic vessels.
What is the oblique pericardial sinus?
A cul-de-sac located posterior to the left atrium, formed by the reflection of the serous pericardium around the veins.
What is the transverse pericardial sinus?
A passage between the two main reflections of serous pericardium, situated:
Posterior to the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk
Anterior to the superior vena cava
Superior to the left atrium
Which arteries supply the pericardium?
Internal thoracic artery
Pericardiacophrenic artery
Musculophrenic artery
Inferior phrenic artery
Thoracic aorta
How can the sinuses be located during surgery?
A finger placed in the transverse sinus separates arteries from veins.
A hand moved under the heart apex slips into the oblique sinus.
How is venous blood from the pericardium drained?
Via the azygos vein system, internal thoracic veins, and superior phrenic veins.
Which nerves supply the pericardium?
Vagus nerve (X)
Sympathetic trunks
Phrenic nerves (C3, C4, C5)
Which nerve carries pain sensations from the pericardium?
Phrenic nerves carry somatic afferent fibers responsible for pericardial pain.
Where is pericardial pain typically referred to?
The supraclavicular region of the shoulder or the lateral neck area, corresponding to dermatomes C3, C4, and C5.
What type of organ is the heart and where is it located?
It is a fibromuscular, hollow organ located in the mediastinum.
How many chambers and valves does the heart have?
Four chambers (2 atria and 2 ventricles) and four valves (Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral, Aortic).
What is the orientation of the heart’s apex and base?
Apex → Directed left, inferiorly, and anteriorly
Base → Directed right, superiorly, and posteriorly
What is the shape of the heart?
It is rounded, conical, and 3-dimensional pyramidal in shape.
What factors influence the size of the heart?
The size of the heart depends on sex, age, and fitness level of an individual.
What is the main function of the heart?
To pump blood throughout the body.
What are the three layers of the heart wall?
Epicardium → Outer layer
Myocardium → Middle muscular layer
Endocardium → Inner endothelial layer
What is the protective sac around the heart called?
The pericardium.