Chapter 14 Cardiac Output, Blood Flow and Blood Pressure

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume.

Frank-Starling Law of the Heart

States that an increase in end diastolic volume leads to a more forceful contraction of the heart, increasing stroke volume.

Edema

Excessive accumulation of tissue fluid, usually due to an imbalance between capillary filtration and osmotic uptake.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance by altering kidney function and promoting sodium retention.

Baroreceptors

Stretch receptors located in the aortic arch and carotid sinus that detect changes in blood pressure and regulate autonomic responses.

Higher Blood Pressure Dangers

It makes it harder for ventricles to eject blood, can cause pathological heart growth, arrhythmias, heart failure, and can lead to stroke.

Korotkoff Sounds

The sounds heard through a stethoscope when measuring blood pressure, indicating the transition from systolic to diastolic pressure.

Blood Pressure Regulation

Regulated by cardiac output and total peripheral resistance, influenced by sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary body functions, including heart rate and blood pressure.

Blood Flow to the Heart

Highly regulated during physical activity, with myoglobin in heart cells serving as an oxygen reservoir.