test Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are the two types of pericardial sinuses?
transverse pericardial sinus, oblique pericardial sinus
The transverse pericardial sinus is located between the arterial and venous structures of the heart, while the oblique pericardial sinus is a recess behind the left atrium.
What is the fossa ovalis?
A depression in the interatrial septum that marks the remnant of the foramen ovale
The foramen ovale is a structure present in fetal circulation that allows blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs.
What structures are associated with the right atrium?
- crista terminalis
- terminal sulcus
- sinus veranum
- Thebesian valve
- eustachian valve
- supraventricular crest
- trabeculae carne
- septomarginal trabeculae
These structures contribute to the anatomy and function of the right atrium.
What is the conus arteriosus?
The infundibulum of the right ventricle
It is the portion of the right ventricle that leads to the pulmonary artery.
What is the aortic vestibule?
The area in the left ventricle just before the aorta
This area plays a role in the outflow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.
What is the function of chordae tendinae?
To anchor the heart valves to the papillary muscles
They help prevent the valves from inverting during ventricular contraction.
What is Erb’s point?
A classic auscultation point for heart sounds
It is located at the third intercostal space near the left sternal border.
What is Thorell’s bundle?
A collection of fibers in the right atrium
It is involved in conduction and can affect heart rhythm.
What is Bachmann’s bundle?
A band of muscle fibers in the atrium that connects the right and left atria
It plays a role in coordinating atrial contraction.
What is the function of the septomarginal trabeculae?
To carry the right bundle branch of the conduction system to the anterior papillary muscle
This structure helps facilitate coordinated contraction of the right ventricle.
What is the ductus arteriosus?
A fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta
It allows blood to bypass the lungs in fetal circulation.
What is the Poiseuille equation used for?
To describe the flow of fluid through a cylindrical pipe
It is fundamental for understanding blood flow in vessels.
What does the dicrotic notch represent?
A brief increase in aortic pressure following closure of the aortic valve
It is a feature seen in arterial pressure waveforms.
What is the Reynolds number?
A dimensionless number used to predict flow patterns in different fluid flow situations
It helps determine whether flow is laminar or turbulent.
What are Korotkoff sounds?
Sounds heard during the measurement of blood pressure
They are produced by the turbulent blood flow in the arteries when the cuff pressure is lowered.
What does the term ‘membrane potential’ refer to?
The electrical potential difference across a cell membrane
It is critical for the generation of action potentials in cardiac cells.
What are T-type and L-type channels?
Types of voltage-gated calcium channels
They play important roles in cardiac action potentials.
What does dromotropy refer to?
The conduction velocity of electrical impulses in the heart
It is a key factor in cardiac rhythm and function.
What does the Bowditch staircase effect describe?
The phenomenon where increased heart rate leads to increased contractility
It highlights the relationship between heart rate and myocardial contractility.
What is the Frank-Starling relationship?
The relationship between stroke volume and end-diastolic volume
It describes how the heart’s output increases with increased filling.
What are heart sounds primarily caused by?
The closure of heart valves during the cardiac cycle
The sounds are crucial for assessing cardiac function.
What is the role of the Hering nerve?
To transmit sensory information from the carotid sinus
It plays a role in blood pressure regulation.
What are chromaffin cells?
Cells in the adrenal medulla that produce catecholamines
They are involved in the body’s response to stress.
What does RAAS stand for?
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
It regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
