Human Anatomy - Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover the key terms and concepts from the human anatomy lecture focusing on the cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular System

System consisting of the heart and blood vessels that transports blood throughout the body.

Heart

A small organ roughly the size of a clenched fist that pumps blood to the body.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart, which receive blood from the body.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.

Right Atrium

Chamber of the heart that receives deoxygenated blood from the body.

Left Atrium

Chamber of the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.

Right Ventricle

Chamber of the heart responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Left Ventricle

Chamber of the heart responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body.

Pulmonary Circuit

Pathway of blood flow from the heart to the lungs and back.

Systemic Circuit

Pathway of blood flow from the heart to the body and back.

Sinoatrial Node

the primary pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium.

Atrioventricular Node

the secondary pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium.

Myocardium

The thick muscle layer of the heart responsible for contraction.

Epicardium

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

Endocardium

The inner lining of the heart chambers.

Chordae Tendineae

Tendinous cords that anchor the atrioventricular valves to the walls of the heart.

Papillary Muscles

Muscles that contract to pull on the chordae tendineae, controlling the atrioventricular valves.

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles (tricuspid and mitral valves).

Semilunar Valves

Valves located between the ventricles and the arteries (pulmonary and aortic valves).

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events in one heartbeat, including contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole).

Systole

Phase of the cardiac cycle during which the heart muscle contracts.

Diastole

Phase of the cardiac cycle during which the heart muscle relaxes.

Heart Sounds

The sounds produced by the closing of heart valves: 'Lubb' for AV valves and 'Dubb' for semilunar valves.

Myocardial Infarction

A heart attack caused by blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

Cardiac Arrest

A condition in which the heart stops beating effectively and cannot pump blood.

Coronary Circulation

The flow of blood to and from the tissues of the heart.

Nodal Cells

Specialized cells in the heart that initiate the electrical impulses for contraction.

Purkinje Fibers

Fibers that transmit impulses to the myocardial cells, causing the ventricles to contract.

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Blood Flow

The movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels.

Arteries

Vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Vessels that carry blood toward the heart.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels where the exchange of gases and nutrients occurs.

Pericardium

The double-walled sac containing the heart.

Coronary Sinus

A large vein that collects deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle.

Bicuspid Valve

Also known as the mitral valve, it is located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Tricuspid Valve

Valve located between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Pulmonary Semilunar Valve

Valve that prevents backflow into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery.

Aortic Semilunar Valve

Valve that prevents backflow into the left ventricle from the aorta.

Fibrous Skeleton

The structural support of the heart, providing a barrier between atria and ventricles.

Inferior Vena Cava

Large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium.

Superior Vena Cava

Large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body that delivers oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.

Pulmonary Trunk

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

Lungs

Organs responsible for gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to exit.

Atrial Systole

Contraction phase of the atria, pushing blood into the ventricles.

Ventricular Systole

Contraction phase of the ventricles, ejecting blood into the arteries.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle.