Structure of the Heart and the Path of Blood

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the structure of the heart, its components, and the path of blood flow.

Anatomy of the Heart

The heart is a conical organ located in the thoracic cavity, bordered by the lungs, weighing 250 to 350 grams.

Pericardium

A double-layered membrane surrounding the heart; consists of the fibrous pericardium (outer layer) and serous pericardium (inner layer).

Epicardium

The outermost layer of the heart wall, also known as the visceral layer of the serous pericardium.

Myocardium

The middle layer of the heart wall, composed chiefly of cardiac muscle tissue and is the thickest of the three layers.

Endocardium

The thin, innermost layer of the heart wall that covers the internal surfaces of the heart and heart valves.

Atria

The two upper, thin-walled chambers of the heart that receive blood from the circulatory circuits.

Ventricles

The two lower, larger chambers of the heart responsible for pumping blood into the pulmonary and systemic circuits.

Right Atrioventricular Valve

Also known as the tricuspid valve, it separates the right atrium from the right ventricle and prevents backflow of blood.

Left Atrioventricular Valve

Also known as the bicuspid or mitral valve, it separates the left atrium from the left ventricle.

Pulmonary Trunk

The artery that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart; pulmonary arteries are the only ones carrying deoxygenated blood.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart; pulmonary veins are the only ones carrying oxygenated blood.

Pulmonary Circuit

The path of blood flow from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart, facilitating gas exchange.

Systemic Circuit

The path of blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body and back to the heart.

Chordae Tendineae

Tendinous cords that anchor the heart valves to the papillary muscles, preventing backflow.

Papillary Muscles

Muscle fibers within the heart that anchor the chordae tendineae and help keep the valves closed during contraction.

Coronary Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, emerging from the base of the aorta.