Cardiovascular System: Heart, Blood, and Blood Vessels

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels, blood flow, and related pathologies.

What structures make up the cardiovascular system?

The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.

Where is the heart located?

The heart is located superior to the diaphragm, to the left of the midline, anterior to the vertebral column, and posterior to the sternum.

What are the major types of blood vessels?

The three major types of blood vessels are arteries, veins, and capillaries.

What differentiates the pulmonary circuit from the systemic circuit?

The pulmonary circuit carries blood to and from the lungs, while the systemic circuit carries blood to and from the body.

What is the primary function of the pericardium?

The pericardium protects and anchors the heart, prevents overfilling with blood, and allows for a friction-free environment.

What role do the AV valves play in the heart?

Atrioventricular (AV) valves prevent backflow into the atria when the ventricles contract.

What is the primary function of the myocardium?

The myocardium is the cardiac muscle layer that forms the bulk of the heart and is responsible for its contractions.

Where does blood enter the right atrium from?

Blood enters the right atrium from the superior and inferior venae cavae and the coronary sinus.

What is the cardiac cycle?

The cardiac cycle refers to all events associated with blood flow through the heart, including systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation).

What happens during ventricular systole?

During ventricular systole, the ventricles contract, pressure rises, and blood is ejected into the pulmonary trunk and aorta.

What causes the sounds associated with the heartbeat?

Heart sounds (lub-dup) are associated with the closing of heart valves.

What is cardiac output?

Cardiac Output (CO) is the amount of blood pumped by each ventricle in one minute.

What are some factors that affect stroke volume?

Preload, contractility, and afterload are factors that affect stroke volume.

What is the function of capillaries?

Capillaries are the site of gas and nutrient exchange between blood and tissues.

What is congestive heart failure (CHF)?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump effectively, resulting in blood pooling and fluid build-up.

What distinguishes an artery from a vein?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart and have thicker walls, while veins carry blood toward the heart and have thinner walls.

What type of blood does the aorta carry?

The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body.

What is the function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?

The SA node serves as the heart's natural pacemaker, initiating impulses that stimulate heartbeats.

How do intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect heart rate?

Intrinsic factors involve the heart's pacemaker mechanisms, while extrinsic factors include the autonomic nervous system and hormones.

What occurs during isovolumetric relaxation?

During isovolumetric relaxation, the ventricles relax, and backflow from the arteries causes semilunar valves to close.

What are some examples of congenital heart defects?

Examples include ventricular septal defect, coarctation of the aorta, and tetralogy of Fallot.

What is the significance of the coronary circulation?

Coronary circulation is the functional blood supply to the heart muscle itself.

What components make up formed elements of blood?

Formed elements include red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.

How does the heart accommodate increased workload during exercise?

The heart accommodates increased workload through increased heart rate and stroke volume.