Heart Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing the anatomy, conduction system, ECG waves, sounds, layers, and circulation of the human heart based on lecture notes.

Normal sinus rhythm

The heart's normal auto-rhythmic rate of $70\,\text{bpm}$.

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Known as the "pacemaker", located below the SVC in the right atrium; spreads impulses throughout the right and left atria.

Atrioventricular (AV) node

Delays impulse to allow atria to fully contract.

AV bundle (Bundle of His)

Conduction path located at the top of the interventricular septum.

Bundle Branches

Conduction pathways running down the interventricular septum.

Purkinje Fibers (Subendocardial Conducting Network)

Conduction network running up the sides of each ventricle that causes ventricles to contract.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

Used to measure electrical changes (depolarization and repolarization) in the heart to diagnose heart problems like arrhythmias and heart blocks.

P wave

ECG wave representing SA node firing to cause atrial depolarization (followed by atrial systole).

QRS complex

ECG wave complex representing hidden atrial repolarization and ventricular depolarization (followed by ventricular systole).

T wave

ECG wave representing ventricular repolarization.

P-QRS interval

Interval during which the AV node, bundle branches, and Purkinje Fibers fire.

"lub"

Sound of AV valves closing.

"dup"

Sound of SL valves closing.

Auscultation

Listening to heart sounds with a stethoscope.

Murmers

Abnormal heart sounds described as "swishing" or "screeching" sounds.

Fibrous Pericardium

The most external heart layer composed of dense CT.

Parietal Pericardium

Serous membrane lining the cavity, containing serous fluid between the parietal and visceral pericardium.

Visceral Pericardium (Epicardium)

Serous membrane lining the external heart.

Myocardium

Heart muscle layer.

Endocardium

Serous membrane lining the internal heart.

Atrioventricular (AV) Valves

Valves connecting atria and ventricles together; right = tricuspid valve and left = mitral/bicuspid valve.

Semilunar Valves

Valves connecting ventricles to major blood vessels; right = pulmonary semilunar valve and left = aortic semilunar valve.

Chordae tendineae

Collagen strings that anchor the cusps of AV valves and connect to the papillary muscles of ventricles.

Cardiac Circulation

Blood supply system of the heart consisting of coronary arteries, great cardiac vein, and coronary sinus.

Cardiac Muscle Microscopic Features

Microscopic characteristics including 1 or 2 nuclei per cell, striated, branched structure, intercalated discs, and involuntary control.