Chapter KC: Blood Flow and Cardiac Conduction System

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to blood flow, the cardiac conduction system, and the electrical activity of the heart as discussed in Chapter KC.

Tricuspid valve

The valve that blood flows through from the right atrium (RA) to the right ventricle (RV).

Pulmonary artery

Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Left atrium (LA)

Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs via pulmonary veins.

Mitral valve

The valve through which blood flows from the left atrium (LA) into the left ventricle (LV).

Left ventricle (LV)

Pumps oxygen-rich blood through the aortic valve into the aorta to supply the body.

Conduction system of the heart

Network that initiates and conducts electrical impulses throughout the myocardium.

SA node

The sinoatrial node, which initiates electrical impulses, generating a rhythmic heart rate of 70-80 BPM.

AV node

The atrioventricular node, which provides a pathway for conduction between the atria and ventricles.

Ventricular depolarization

Represented by the QRS complex on an ECG, indicating the contraction of the ventricles.

Atrial contraction (Systole)

The phase during which the atria contract.

Ventricular contraction (Systole)

The phase where the ventricles contract to pump blood out of the heart.

Pulse pressure

The difference in pressure between the atria and ventricles that opens or closes the AV valves.