The Cardiovascular System

Flashcards based on some slides on the cardiovascular system.

Systemic circulation

Delivers blood to the body while carrying away waste

Pulmonary circulation

Eliminates carbon dioxide and oxygenates blood using the lungs

Heart size

About 14 by 9 cm, or the size of a fist

Heart location

The mediastinum, or a cavity in the center of the chest

Coronary arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the heart; blockages in these cause heart attacks

Apex

The distal end of the heart

Fibrous pericardium

Layer that encloses the heart with two layers, like a bag

Pericardial cavity

Contains fluid reducing friction during heart beats

Epicardium

Outer layer of the heart wall that reduces friction

Myocardium

Middle layer of the heart wall that mainly consists of the cardiac muscle

Endocardium

Thin inner laying of the heart wall within the chambers of the heart

Atria

The superior chambers of the heart that recieve blood returning to the heart from the veins

Ventricles

The inferior chambers of the heart that pump blood out of the heart using the arteries

Septum

Wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart

Atrioventricular valves

Valves that separate the atria and ventricles

• Left has the bicuspid (mitral) valve

• Right has the tricuspid valve

Aortic valve

Valve between the left ventricle and aorta

Pulmonary valve

Valve between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery

Cusps

Flaps of the bicuspid and tricuspid valves

Chordae tendinae

Anchors of the cusps to the ventricle walls

Septal defect

When the septum has a “hole,” which allows blood to flow between the left and right sides