Wk.8 L1 - Anatomy of Heart and Vessels

Question 1

Where is the heart located and what is its orientation?

Answer 1

Heart is in the mediastinum, located 1/3 to the right and 2/3 to the left of the midline; the apex is at the 5th intercostal space on the left.

Question 2

How is the mediastinum divided in relation to the heart?

Answer 2

It is divided into the superior mediastinum (above the heart) and the inferior mediastinum, which is further subdivided into anterior, middle (containing the heart), and posterior parts.

Question 3

List the Great Eight vessels of the heart.

Answer 3

Aorta, ascending aorta, arch of aorta, descending/thoracic aorta, pulmonary trunk, superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and the four pulmonary veins.

Question 4

What major arteries supply blood to the head and upper limbs?

Answer 4

Left and right subclavian arteries, left and right common carotid arteries, and the brachiocephalic trunk.

Question 5

What major veins return blood from the head and upper limbs to the heart?

Answer 5

Left and right subclavian veins, left and right internal jugular veins, and the left and right brachiocephalic veins.

Question 6

How do pulmonary vessels differ from systemic vessels?

Answer 6

Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood (shown in purple) and pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood (shown in red).

Question 7

Describe the spatial orientation of the heart.

Answer 7

The heart is located in the mediastinum between the lungs; the right atrium is medial and the left ventricle forms the apex.

Question 8

What are the four chambers of the heart and their functions?

Answer 8

Right atrium receives deoxygenated blood, right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, left atrium receives oxygenated blood, and left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body.

Question 9

What are the two septa within the heart?

Answer 9

The interatrial septum (between atria) and the interventricular septum (between ventricles).

Question 10

What is the function of the pericardium?

Answer 10

It encloses and protects the heart, reduces friction, prevents overdistension, and anchors the heart to surrounding structures.

Question 11

What are the external features of the heart in the anterior view?

Answer 11

They include the superior vena cava, ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, inferior vena cava, and the pulmonary trunk.

Question 12

What are the external features of the heart in the posterior view?

Answer 12

The posterior atrioventricular sulcus, posterior interventricular sulcus, and arrangements of the pulmonary veins.

Question 13

Describe the internal features of the right atrium.

Answer 13

It has musculi pectinati and a crista terminalis, and receives the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, coronary sinus, and the right atrioventricular orifice.

Question 14

What are the key internal features of the right ventricle?

Answer 14

It contains the tricuspid valve, chordae tendineae, papillary muscles, trabeculae carneae, and the pulmonary semilunar valve leading to the pulmonary trunk.

Question 15

How does the structure of the left atrium differ from the right atrium?

Answer 15

The left atrium is mostly smooth, has an auricle, receives four pulmonary veins, and lacks a prominent crista terminalis.

Question 16

What are the internal features of the left ventricle?

Answer 16

It contains the mitral (bicuspid) valve with chordae tendineae and papillary muscles, trabeculae carneae, and an outflow tract with the aortic semilunar valve.

Question 17

What is the function of the atrioventricular (AV) valves?

Answer 17

They allow blood to flow from the atria to the ventricles and prevent backflow during ventricular contraction.

Question 18

What is the function of the semilunar valves?

Answer 18

They prevent backflow from the great arteries into the ventricles during diastole.

Question 19

Summarize the functions of the heart valves.

Answer 19

AV valves (tricuspid and mitral) channel blood from atria to ventricles; semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonary) prevent backflow during ventricular relaxation.

Question 20

What is the purpose of coronary circulation?

Answer 20

To supply oxygenated blood to the myocardium and to remove deoxygenated blood via cardiac veins.

Question 21

How are the coronary arteries arranged?

Answer 21

They arise from the ascending aorta; the left coronary artery divides into left anterior descending and circumflex branches, while the right coronary artery gives rise to the posterior descending branch.

Question 22

What is the role of the coronary veins?

Answer 22

They collect deoxygenated blood from the myocardium, draining into the coronary sinus which empties into the right atrium.

Question 23

How does the aortic semilunar valve influence coronary blood flow?

Answer 23

Aortic recoil during diastole closes the valve and facilitates blood flow into the coronary arteries from the aortic sinuses.

Question 24

Explain the concept of the heart as a double pump.

Answer 24

The right side pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs (low pressure), while the left side pumps oxygenated blood to the body (high pressure).

Question 25

Describe the general pattern of blood flow through the heart.

Answer 25

Deoxygenated blood enters via the venae cavae into the right atrium, flows to the right ventricle, is pumped to the lungs via the pulmonary trunk, returns via pulmonary veins to the left atrium, and is pumped by the left ventricle through the aorta.

Question 26

What are the key events during diastole in the cardiac cycle?

Answer 26

Ventricular relaxation and filling occur; atrioventricular valves open, and atrial contraction augments ventricular filling.

Question 27

What are the key events during systole in the cardiac cycle?

Answer 27

Ventricular contraction forces blood out through the semilunar valves; atrioventricular valves close to prevent backflow.

Question 28

How do the heart valves coordinate with the events of the cardiac cycle?

Answer 28

Valve opening and closing are synchronized with atrial filling and ventricular contraction to ensure unidirectional blood flow.

Question 29

What branches arise from the arch of the aorta?

Answer 29

The brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery.

Question 30

How can the external features of the heart assist in anatomical identification?

Answer 30

Structures such as the auricles, atrioventricular sulci, interventricular grooves, and the great vessels serve as landmarks during dissection.

Question 31

What is the clinical significance of the heart's location relative to the ribs and intercostal spaces?

Answer 31

The apex at the 5th intercostal space is important for auscultation, chest procedures, and diagnosing cardiac conditions.

Question 32

How does the mediastinum relate to the heart's position?

Answer 32

The heart resides in the middle mediastinum, with the lungs laterally and subdivisions that help locate adjacent structures like the trachea and esophagus.

Question 33

What roles do the papillary muscles and chordae tendineae play in valve function?

Answer 33

They support the atrioventricular valves by anchoring the leaflets and preventing prolapse during ventricular contraction.

Question 34

What are trabeculae carneae and what is their function?

Answer 34

They are muscular ridges within the ventricles that increase contractile strength and prevent the walls from adhering together.

Question 35

How are coronary vessels identified on the surface of the heart?

Answer 35

They course along the coronary sulci (left and right), marking the pathways of coronary arteries and veins.

Question 36

Why is understanding the branching pattern of the coronary arteries important?

Answer 36

It determines regional myocardial blood supply and is critical for diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease.

Question 37

What are the consequences of heart valve dysfunction?

Answer 37

Valve dysfunction can lead to regurgitation or stenosis, resulting in inefficient blood flow and increased cardiac workload.

Question 38

How is the heart’s conduction system linked to its mechanical function?

Answer 38

Electrical impulses coordinate myocardial contraction; although not detailed here, proper conduction is essential for synchronized pumping.

Question 39

How does the pericardium protect the heart?

Answer 39

It minimizes friction, prevents overdistension, and secures the heart within the mediastinum by fusing with adjacent structures.

Question 40

Why is coronary circulation critical for heart function?

Answer 40

It ensures a continuous blood supply to the myocardium; inadequate coronary flow can cause ischemia and infarction.

Question 41

What does the 'double pump' model illustrate about heart function?

Answer 41

It shows that the right heart pumps blood to the lungs at low pressure while the left heart pumps blood to the body at high pressure.

Question 42

How do valve movements affect heart sounds?

Answer 42

The opening and closing of valves produce specific sounds (S1 and S2) that are key to clinical auscultation.

Question 43

What is the importance of understanding heart anatomy for surgical procedures?

Answer 43

Detailed knowledge of heart structure aids in interventions such as bypass surgery, valve repair, and pericardiocentesis.

Question 44

How does pulmonary circulation differ from systemic circulation?

Answer 44

Pulmonary circulation moves deoxygenated blood to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood, whereas systemic circulation distributes oxygenated blood to the body.

Question 45

What role do coronary veins play in myocardial function?

Answer 45

They collect deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle and return it to the right atrium, completing the coronary circulation.