Anatomy of the Heart

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the anatomy of the heart.

Myocardium

The thick middle layer of the heart made of cardiac muscle, responsible for pumping blood.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart that lines the chambers and valves.

Epicardium

The outermost layer of the heart, which also forms part of the pericardium.

Pericardium

A double-walled sac that contains the heart and the roots of the great vessels.

Atrioventricular valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles, allowing blood flow from atria to ventricles.

Semilunar valves

Valves located at the exits of the ventricles; they prevent backflow of blood into the heart.

Sinoatrial (SA) node

The natural pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium, initiating the heartbeat.

Atrioventricular (AV) node

A node located at the floor of the right atrium that delays the cardiac impulse before it passes to the ventricles.

Coronary arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle; includes right and left coronary arteries.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A recording of the electrical activity of the heart, used to diagnose heart conditions.

Automaticity

The ability of cardiac pacemaker cells to generate their own electrical impulses.

Rhythmicity

The regularity of the heart rate, as established by the pacing activity of the SA node.

Heart sounds

Sounds produced by the closure of heart valves, commonly referred to as 'lubb-dupp'.

Cardiac output

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

Cardiac tamponade

A life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, compressing the heart.