Circulation and Heart Valves

These flashcards cover key concepts about the heart valves, blood circulation, and their functions, helping with exam preparation.

What are the two types of atrioventricular valves in the heart?

Tricuspid and bicuspid (mitral) valves.

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

To allow blood to flow from the atria to the ventricles and prevent backflow.

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

They prevent the AV valves from flipping back into the atria during ventricular contraction.

What happens if the AV valves do not close properly?

Blood can flow back into the atria, potentially leading to insufficient blood flow from the ventricles.

What is the name of the valve that exits the right ventricle?

Pulmonary semilunar valve.

What is the function of the semilunar valves?

To allow blood to exit the ventricles and prevent backflow into the ventricles.

What blood vessels carry deoxygenated blood to the right atrium?

Superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and coronary sinus.

What is the significance of the coronary circulation?

It supplies blood to the heart muscle itself and returns deoxygenated blood to the heart.

What are the two coronary arteries?

Right coronary artery and left coronary artery.

What is the function of arteries in the circulatory system?

To carry blood away from the heart.

How do veins differ in function from arteries?

Veins carry blood toward the heart, while arteries carry blood away from the heart.

What is the largest artery in the body?

The aorta.

What term describes the smallest arterial blood vessels?

Arterioles.

What is the capacity of capillaries in the circulatory system?

They facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.

Which chamber of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body?

Right atrium.

What is the term for the path that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs?

Pulmonary circulation.

What does systemic circulation refer to?

The circuit that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

What prevents blood from flowing back into the ventricles after it leaves the heart?

Semilunar valves.