Unit 1 Study Guide: The Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover important concepts related to the cardiovascular system, including pathways of blood flow, heart structure, and heart function.

Systemic Circuit

Carries blood to/from the tissues of the body; left side of the heart.

Pulmonary Circuit

Carries blood to/from the lungs; right side of the heart.

Coronary Circuit

Carries blood to/from the heart tissues; left side of the heart.

Mediastinum

The body cavity within which the heart is located.

Fibrous Pericardium

Made of dense irregular connective tissue; tough outer sac surrounding the heart.

Serous Pericardium

Two layers: parietal (outer) and visceral (inner) pericardium surrounding the heart.

Pericardial Sac

Structure formed by the fusion of the fibrous and serous pericardium.

Pericardial Fluid

Fluid located between the parietal and visceral pericardium; prevents friction when the heart beats.

Epicardium

The outer layer of the heart wall that contains blood and lymphatic vessels.

Myocardium

The thick middle layer of the heart wall consisting of cardiac muscle fibers.

Endocardium

The inner layer lining the heart chambers and valves.

Right Atrium

Chamber of the heart that receives deoxygenated blood from systemic circulation.

Tricuspid Valve

Gateway between the right atrium and right ventricle; also called the right atrioventricular valve.

Pulmonary Semilunar Valve

Valve between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery, marking the start of pulmonary circulation.

Left Ventricle

Chamber with the thickest myocardium, responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the systemic circuit.

Cardiac Output

Amount of blood pumped out of the heart in one minute.

Stroke Volume

Volume of blood ejected from the heart during each contraction.

Ejection Fraction

Percentage of blood volume pumped out of the ventricles with each contraction.

Atrioventricular Valve

Valves located between the atria and ventricles; includes the tricuspid and mitral valves.

Semilunar Valve

Valves located between the ventricles and arteries; includes the pulmonary and aortic valves.