Flashcards for Heart Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the anatomy and physiology of the heart.

Myocardium

The muscular tissue of the heart responsible for contraction to pump blood.

Epicardium

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

Endocardium

The inner layer of the heart that lines the ventricles and covers the valves.

Pulmonary Circulation

The part of the circulatory system responsible for carrying blood to and from the lungs.

Systemic Circulation

The part of the circulatory system responsible for carrying blood to and from the rest of the body.

Pericardium

A double-walled sac that surrounds the heart and contains pericardial fluid.

Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Valves that control blood flow between the atria and ventricles.

Semilunar valves

Valves that control blood flow into the great arteries and prevent backflow.

Coronary Circulation

The circulation of blood to the tissues of the heart muscle.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.

Hematopoiesis

The process of formation of blood cells.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Fibrous Skeleton

A framework of collagenous and elastic fibers that provides structural support to the heart.

Chambers of the Heart

The four chambers include the right atrium, left atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle.

Great Vessels

Large blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

The heart's natural pacemaker that initiates the heartbeat.

Atrioventricular (AV) Node

A node that conducts impulses from the atria to the ventricles.

Purkinje Fibers

Fibers that conduct the action potential to the ventricular myocardium.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A recording of the electrical activity of the heart.

P wave

The wave in an ECG representing atrial depolarization.

QRS Complex

The complex in an ECG representing ventricular depolarization.