Chapter 6 Study Guide: Medical Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering cardiovascular anatomy, diagnostic tests, abbreviations, and pathological conditions from the Chapter 6 Medical Terminology study guide.

Myocardium

The thick, muscular middle layer of the heart wall that contracts to pump blood.

Electrocardiogram

A recording or graphic tracing of the electrical activity produced by the heart muscle.

Ischemia

A condition characterized by an inadequate blood supply and oxygen deficiency to an organ or tissue, usually caused by a blocked artery.

Tachycardia (Word Breakdown)

Formed from the prefix 'tachy-' meaning fast or rapid, and the suffix '-cardia' meaning heart condition; defines an abnormally fast heart rate.

Edema

Swelling caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues and interstitial spaces.

Heart Valves

Internal heart structures whose primary purpose is to ensure unidirectional blood flow and prevent the backflow of blood.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

The specialized cluster of cells in the right atrium where the normal heart rhythm begins, functioning as the natural pacemaker of the heart.

Fibrillation

A rapid, irregular, and uncoordinated twitching or contraction of the muscular fibrils of the heart.

Atria

The two superior (upper) receiving chambers of the heart, comprising the right atrium and the left atrium.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing or constriction of the lumen of blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall.

ECG

The common abbreviation for electrocardiogram, a diagnostic record of the heart's electrical currents.

Mitral Valve

The primary synonym for the bicuspid valve; the dual-flap valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity located between the lungs, housing the heart, esophagus, trachea, and great vessels.

CPR

Stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation to maintain circulatory flow during cardiac arrest.

Lipid Profile Components

The standard diagnostic components of a lipid panel, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides.

Lipid Profile (Clinical Purpose)

A diagnostic blood panel used to determine and assess a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

DVT

Stands for Deep Vein Thrombosis, a medical condition involving the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein, most commonly in the legs.