DGA 2101: General Anatomy 1 - Cardiovascular System

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, physiology, and pathologies of the cardiovascular system based on lecture notes.

Capillary bed

An anastomotic (inter-connecting) network of capillaries where the exchange of substances between the bloodstream and tissue fluid occurs.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood pumped per minute, which is normally $5\,\text{L/min}$ at rest.

Mediastinum

The location within the thoracic cavity where the heart is situated, obliquely between the 2nd and 6th ribs.

Endocardium

The inner lining of the heart consisting of simple squamous epithelium.

Myocardium

The thickest layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle.

Epicardium

The visceral layer of the serous pericardium that covers the surface of the heart.

Fibrous Pericardium

The outer layer of the pericardium made of fibrous connective tissue attached to the base of the heart, anterior thoracic wall, and the diaphragm.

Fossa ovalis

A depression in the interatrial septum that marks the site of the fetal foramen ovale.

Tricuspid valve

The right atrio-ventricular (AV) valve consisting of 3 endocardial folds that prevents backflow from the right ventricle.

Chordae tendineae

Dense fibrous C.T. cords that anchor the AV valve cusps to papillary muscle to prevent the valve cusps from turning inside out.

Mitral Valve

Also known as the bicuspid valve, it consists of 2 endocardial folds and prevents regurgitation from the left ventricle.

Sino-atrial (S-A) node

Specialized cardiac muscle fibers that generate and conduct electrical impulses; often referred to as the heart's pacemaker.

Angina pectoris

Severe chest pain resulting from myocardial ischemia due to the stenosis of the coronary artery lumen.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Commonly known as a heart attack, it is the death of heart muscle caused by the complete interruption of oxygen supply.

Systemic Circulation

The circuit on the left side of the heart where oxygenated blood is pumped to the body cells through the aorta and returned low in oxygen.

Hepatic portal system

A system where venous blood containing nutrients from digestive organs is conveyed to the liver for regulation before entering general circulation.

Atherosclerosis

A condition where fatty deposits called plaque build up in the arteries, causing blockages and making vessels less flexible.

Embolism

Occurs when an object, usually a blood clot, migrates through the circulation and causes a blockage in a vessel in another part of the body.

Hematoma

A collection of blood due to internal bleeding or bruising.

Hemophilia

A rare inherited bleeding disorder, usually occurring only in males, characterized by low levels of clotting factors.

Valvular Stenosis

A condition involving the narrowing, stiffening, thickening, or fusion of one or more heart valves.

Aneurysm

A localized, blood-filled dilation or bulge of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall.

Brachiocephalic trunk

The largest branch of the arch of the aorta, which divides into the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries.

External carotid artery

An artery that supplies the exterior of the head, the face, and the greater part of the neck.