Human Anatomy: The Heart

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the anatomy and function of the heart, including its structure, blood flow pathways, and associated conditions.

Pulmonary Circuit

Right side of the heart that receives oxygen-poor blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs.

Systemic Circuit

Left side of the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it throughout the body.

Atria

The superior chambers of the heart that receive blood from the pulmonary and systemic circuits.

Ventricles

The inferior pumping chambers of the heart.

Pericardium

The double-layered membrane surrounding the heart consisting of fibrous and serous pericardium.

Endocardium

The inner layer of the heart wall, made of endothelium resting on a layer of connective tissue.

Myocardium

The middle layer of the heart wall composed of cardiac muscle tissue.

Epicardium

The outermost layer of the heart wall, which is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium.

Interventricular Septum

The thick wall dividing the right and left ventricles.

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves between the atria and ventricles, including the tricuspid and bicuspid (mitral) valves.

Semilunar Valves

Valves located at the junction of ventricles and great arteries; include the aortic and pulmonary valves.

Coronary Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the muscular walls and tissues of the heart.

Coronary Sinus

The large vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the heart wall to the right atrium.

Cardiac Skeleton

Dense connective tissue surrounding the heart valves that provides structural support and electrical isolation.

Arrhythmias

Variations from normal heart rhythm that can lead to conditions like ventricular fibrillation.

Congenital Heart Defects

Heart conditions present at birth, which can lead to inadequate oxygenation of blood.

Systole

The contraction phase of the heart where it pumps blood out.

Diastole

The relaxation phase of the heart where it fills with blood.

Intrinsic Conducting System

A network of specialized cardiac muscle cells responsible for generating and conducting electrical impulses in the heart.

Ventricular Fibrillation

A severe arrhythmia characterized by rapid, uncoordinated electrical activity in the ventricles, leading to cardiac arrest.