Chapter 1- Applied Antomy and Physiology (Paper 1) Flashcards
(324 cards)
Define myongenic
The capacity of the heart to generate its own impulses.
Define sinoatrial node (SAN or SA node)
A small mass of cardiac muscle found in the wall of the right atrium that generates the heartbeat.
Define atrioventricular node (AVN or AV node)
The node relays the impulse between the upper and lower sections of the heart.
Define systole
When the heart contracts
Define bundle of hiss
A collection of heart muscle cells that transmit electrical impulses from the AVN via the bundle branches to the ventricles.
Define purkinje fibres
Muscle fibres that conduct impulses in the walls of ventricles.
Define stroke volume
The volume of blood pumped out by the heart ventricles in each contraction.
Define cardiac output
The volume of blood pumped out the heart ventricles per minute.
What is a sympathetic system?
A part of the autonomic nervous system that speeds up heart rate.
What is a parasympathetic system?
A part of the autonomic system that decreases heart rate.
What is medulla oblongata?
The most important part of the brain as it regulates processes that keep us alive such as breathing and heart rate.
What are chemoreceptors?
Tiny structures in the carotid arteries and aortic arch that detect changes in blood acidity caused by an increase or decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide.
What are baroreceptors?
Special sensors in tissues the aortic arch, carotid sinus, heart and pulmonary vessels that respond to changes in blood pressure to either increase or decrease heart rate.
What is adrenaline?
A stress hormone that is released by the sympathetic nerves and cardiac nerve during exercise which causes an increase in heart rate.
What is the ejection fraction?
The percentage of blood pumped out by the left ventricle per beat.
What are proprioceptors?
Sensory nerve endings in the muscle, tendons and joints that detect changes in muscle movements.
What is cardiac hypertrophy?
The thickening of the muscular wall of the heart so it becomes bigger and stronger; also can mean a larger ventricular cavity.
What is bradycardia?
A decrease in resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute.
What is atherosclerosis?
Occurs when arteries harden and narrow as they become clogged up by fatty deposits.
What is atheroma?
A fatty deposit found in the inner lining of an artery.
What is agina?
Chest pain that occurs when the blood supply through the coronary arteries to the muscles of the heart is restricted.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off.
Name the four chambers of the heart.
Right atrium
Left atrium
Right ventricle
Left ventricle
Which chambers of the heart are larger explain why?
The ventricles have larger muscles and are thicker because they need to be stronger to be able to pump the blood all around the body whereas the atria just have to contract and let the blood into the ventricles below.