Animals - Heart Rhythm, Sounds & Blood Pressure

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the heart's rhythm, sounds, blood pressure, and components of blood.

Cardiac Cycle

The continuous cycle of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) of the heart.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle during which the heart contracts and pumps blood out.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle during which the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Blood Pressure

The force of blood exerted against the walls of the arteries, measured in mm Hg.

Normal Blood Pressure

A systolic pressure of less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg.

Hypertension

High blood pressure; classified as Stage 1 (130-139/80-89 mm Hg) or Stage 2 (140/90 mm Hg or higher) depending on the readings.

Lub Dub

The sounds made by the heart as valves close: 'Lub' for closure of AV valves at the beginning of systole, and 'Dub' for closure of semi-lunar valves at the end of systole.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells produced in the bone marrow, lack a nucleus, and contain hemoglobin for oxygen transport.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in the immune response, larger in size, and produced in the bone marrow.

Platelets

Cell fragments that help in blood clotting and the repair of damaged blood vessels.

Hemoglobin

A complex protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen; contains iron which gives RBCs their red color.

Atrial Fibrillation

An irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to blood clots, stroke, and other heart-related complications.

Altitude Training

Training at high altitudes to increase red blood cell mass, enhancing oxygen transport in the body.

Hemophilia

An X-linked genetic disorder characterized by the inability to form blood clots due to lack of clotting proteins.