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How Does The Heart Function?
What is the purpose of intercalated discs?
To help cardiac cells contract uniformly
Which 3 ions are necessary for cardiac cells (fibers) to respond to nerve signals?
Sodium (Na+) , Potassium (K+) , Calcium (Ca+)
What is the Pacemaker of the heart?
Specialized cardiac cells that make up sinoatrial (SA) nodes
Why is there a delay between atrial and ventricular contraction?
They don’t beat at the same time, so the atria can finish passing the blood to the ventricles
What is the function of the Purkinje fibers?
They’re specialized to spread the contraction impulse rapidly
What can an EKG (ECG) detect?
Abnormal heart rates, rhythms, blockage, and damages to the heart usually due to heart attacks
What happens during Systole?
Occurs when ventricles are actively contracting
The AV valves are closed
Semi-lunar valves are open
The Atria are relaxed
What happens during Diastole?
Occurs when atria are actively contracting
The AV valves are open
Semi-lunar valves are closed
The ventricles are relaxed
What is an infarct?
Dead region of heart tissue
What causes blockage in coronary vessels?
Plaque buildup (Too much cholesterols & other substances create plaque)
What is angioplasty?
A balloon is inserted into the blocked arteries and inflated, flattening the plaques
What is a stent?
Small coil device placed in a vessel after angioplasty
What is a coronary bypass?
Healthy blood vessels taken from other parts of the body “bypass” or go around the obstruction
What is tachcardia?
Elevated heart rates (100+ bpm)
What is bradycardia?
Slow heart rates (60- bpm)
What is atrial fibrillation?
atria quiver/flutter instead of making strong regular contractions
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