Cardiovascular and Medical Terminology Glossary

Vocabulary flashcards covering cardiovascular and medical terminology from the lecture notes.

Aorta

The largest artery in the human body that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Apex

The lower, pointed end of the heart.

Atrial Kick

The contraction of the atria that increases pressure and actively pushes blood into the ventricles before ventricular contraction.

Atrioventricular (AV) Node

Specialized tissue that can regulate the impulses between the atria and ventricles.

Atrium

A small, muscular pouch-like structure that fills the ventricles with blood.

Auscultation

Listening to body sounds (heart, lung, digestive tract) using a stethoscope.

Automaticity

The ability of the cardiac cells to spontaneously generate electrical activity.

Bachmann's Bundle

Component of the heart's electrical conduction system responsible for ensuring the near simultaneous depolarization of both atria.

Bundle Branch

Part of the conduction system responsible for transmitting electrical impulses from the Bundle of HIS to the Purkinje fibers to trigger ventricular depolarization.

Bundle of HIS

A part of the conduction system responsible for receiving electrical impulses from the AV node and transmitting the impulses to the bundle branches.

Contract

To shorten or tighten, particularly muscle tissue during activation.

Coronary Arteries

The arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the myocardium.

Cyanosis

Skin, lips, toes, or fingers turning blue or discolored due to lack of perfusion.

Depolarization

A change in a cell’s electrical charge that triggers muscle contraction, caused by the influx of sodium ions.

Diaphoresis

Excessive sweating.

Diastolic Pressure

When the heart muscle relaxes, recorded as the bottom blood pressure number.

Ectopic

Originating from a location other than the sinoatrial (SA) node, often referring to abnormal heartbeats.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart.

Epicardium

The outermost layer of the heart.

Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)

Infection acquired via health care workers or in the health care setting.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Law protecting patient data privacy and security.

Holter Monitor

A wearable device that continuously records heart activity for 24–48 hours to detect arrhythmias or other issues.

Implied Consent

The patient’s actions indicate consent for a procedure.

Intercostal

Between the ribs.

Leads

Wires that transmit electrical activity from electrodes on the body to the EKG machine, allowing for heart rhythm analysis.

Mediastinum

Chest cavity compartment that contains the heart and major vessels.

Medical Asepsis

Practices that reduce and prevent the spread of pathogens.

Midaxillary

Imaginary vertical line through the armpit, dividing front and back of body.

Midclavicular

Imaginary vertical line through the middle of the clavicle.

Myocardium

Middle muscular layer of the heart responsible for contractions.

Palpation

Using the hands to examine the body.

Perfuse

To deliver oxygen-rich blood to body tissues via the bloodstream.

Pericardium

Fluid-filled sac surrounding the heart to reduce friction.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Any identifiable health data about a patient.

Pulmonary Arteries

Arteries carrying deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Pulmonary Veins

Veins carrying oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

Purkinje Fibers

Fibers conducting electrical impulses to ventricles for contraction.

Repolarization

The restoration of a cell’s resting electrical state following depolarization, allowing the heart to relax.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Document listing hazards and first aid for chemicals.

Septum

Wall separating the left and right sides of the heart.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

A small mass of tissue in the right atrium serving as the heart’s primary pacemaker. It initiates the P wave on the EKG.

Sphygmomanometer

Device for measuring blood pressure, usually includes a dial, bulb, and cuff.

Standard Precautions

Basic infection-control steps used before, during, and after patient encounters.

Stress Test

Test to induce ischemia and observe EKG changes; also called an exercise stress test.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure during heart contraction; top number in blood pressure readings.

Therapeutic Communication

Verbal and nonverbal methods used to ensure clear communication with patients.

Ventricle

Lower chambers of the heart that pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.