Cardiovascular System Flashcards
Covers heart anatomy, blood circulation, common cardiovascular disorders, and diagnostic tests such as EKGs and echocardiograms. (108 cards)
Define:
aorta
The largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and distributing oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation.
The surgeon repaired the aorta during the open-heart procedure.
Define:
atrium
(Right Atrium, Left Atrium)
The upper chambers of the heart where blood is received from the veins.
The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood, while the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
The atrium contracts to push blood into the ventricles.
Define:
ventricle
(Right Ventricle, Left Ventricle)
The lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out to the lungs (right ventricle) and the rest of the body (left ventricle).
The ventricle must contract efficiently to maintain proper blood flow.
Define:
endocardium
The thin, inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, providing a smooth surface for blood flow.
The doctor examined the endocardium for signs of infection during the echocardiogram.
Define:
myocardium
The muscular middle layer of the heart wall, responsible for the contraction and pumping of blood.
A healthy myocardium is essential for effective heart function.
Define:
epicardium
The outer layer of the heart wall that also forms part of the pericardium, providing a protective layer.
The epicardium helps to reduce friction between the heart and surrounding structures.
Define:
pericardium
The fibrous sac that surrounds the heart, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer, providing protection and reducing friction.
Fluid accumulation in the pericardium can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Define:
septum (Interatrial Septum, Interventricular Septum)
The wall dividing the left and right sides of the heart; the interatrial septum separates the atria, and the interventricular septum separates the ventricles.
A defect in the septum can lead to mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
Define:
valves (Tricuspid Valve, Mitral Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Aortic Valve)
Structures that open and close to regulate blood flow through the heart chambers and to the arteries; include the tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary, and aortic valves.
The valves prevent backflow during the cardiac cycle.
Define:
chordae tendineae
Tendinous cords that connect the papillary muscles to the heart valves, helping to keep the valves closed during ventricular contraction.
The rupture of chordae tendineae can lead to severe valve dysfunction.
Define:
papillary muscles
Muscle projections in the ventricles that anchor the chordae tendineae and help control the opening and closing of the heart valves.
The papillary muscles contract to stabilize the valves during systole.
Define:
coronary arteries
Arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself, branching off from the aorta.
Blockage in the coronary arteries can lead to a heart attack.
Define:
coronary veins
Veins that collect deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle and return it to the right atrium.
The coronary veins play a crucial role in cardiac circulation.
Define:
sinoatrial (SA) node
The natural pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium, responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that trigger heartbeats.
The SA node regulates the heart rate by controlling the timing of contractions.
Define:
atrioventricular (AV) node
A cluster of cells located between the atria and ventricles that transmits electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles, coordinating their contractions.
The AV node acts as a gatekeeper to ensure proper timing of heartbeats.
Define:
bundle of His
A collection of heart muscle cells that transmits electrical impulses from the AV node to the ventricles, facilitating coordinated contractions.
Blockage in the bundle of His can lead to arrhythmias.
Define:
Purkinje fibers
Specialized fibers that distribute electrical impulses throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract in a coordinated manner.
The rapid conduction through Purkinje fibers ensures efficient blood ejection from the heart.
Define:
cardiac apex
The pointed end of the heart, formed by the left ventricle, directed downward and to the left.
The stethoscope was placed at the cardiac apex to listen for heart sounds.
Define:
cardiac base
The broad, upper part of the heart where the major blood vessels enter and exit, opposite the apex.
The cardiac base is where the aorta and pulmonary arteries arise.
Define:
systemic circulation
The part of the circulatory system that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Systemic circulation is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Define:
pulmonary circulation
The portion of the circulatory system responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and returning oxygenated blood back to the heart.
Pulmonary circulation is crucial for gas exchange in the lungs.
Define:
arteries
Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body, except for the pulmonary arteries.
The arteries expand and contract to accommodate blood flow.
Define:
veins
Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the body, except for the pulmonary veins.
Veins have valves that prevent backflow as blood returns to the heart.
Define:
capillaries
The smallest blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs between blood and tissues.
Capillaries connect arteries and veins and facilitate nutrient delivery.