Cardiovascular System Flashcards
Heart
Size of fist, center of thoracic cavity, four chambers: two upper called atria and two lower called ventricles
Blood pathway in heart
Right atrium receives returned blood from venae cavae (two large veins superior & inferior) and upon contraction sends blood to right ventricle
Right ventricle pumps blood to lungs via pulmonary arteries
- blood is cleared of carbon dioxide and receives oxygen in lungs
Oxygen-rich blood is sent to left atrium via pulmonary veins
Left atrium upon contractions sends blood to left ventricle
Left ventricle upon contraction pumps blood to aorta (largest artery) for distribution to entire body
Valve
Between each atrium and ventricle, stops blood from going back during contractions, aorta has one too
Cardiac conduction system
Specialized muscle tissue that conduct electrical impulses to stimulate heartbeats
Control of heart rate & contraction strength
Nerve impulses and chemicals from cardiac control center of brain
Artery
Blood vessel carrying blood away from heart
Coronary arteries
Branch off from aorta, supply heart muscle with blood
Pulmonary artery
Begins at right ventricle, carries oxygen poor blood to lungs
Arteries/Veins Rule
Arteries: oxygen rich, carry blood away from heart
Veins: oxygen poor, carry blood to the heart
Carotid artery
Major arteries of neck, palpated during CPR to check for pulse, carries main supply of blood to head
Femoral artery
Major artery of thigh
Brachial artery
Checked during infant CPR, located in upper arm, used with BP cuff
Radial artery
Travels through and supplies lower arm, felt when taking pulse at wrist
Posterior tibial artery
Used to determine circulatory status on lower extremity, palpated on posterior aspect of medial malleolus
Dorsalis pedis artery
Top of the foot, lateral to large tendon of big toe
