Cardiovascular System Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to the cardiovascular system based on the provided lecture notes.

Cardiovascular System

The system that comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Heart

A muscular pump the size of your fist responsible for circulating blood.

Blood

A bodily fluid composed of plasma and formed elements.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood, constituting 55% of its volume.

Formed Elements

The solid components of blood, constituting 45% of its volume, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Pericardium

The membrane surrounding the heart.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity where the heart is located.

Epicardium

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

Myocardium

The middle layer of the heart wall made up of cardiac muscle.

Endocardium

The inner layer of the heart wall, which is endothelial tissue.

Atria

The receiving chambers of the heart.

Ventricles

The discharging chambers of the heart.

Superior vena cava

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

Inferior vena cava

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

Coronary sinus

A collection of veins that drain blood from the myocardium into the right atrium.

Pulmonary veins

The vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.

Tricuspid valve

The valve between the right atrium and right ventricle that prevents backflow of blood.

Bicuspid valve (Mitral valve)

The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle that prevents backflow of blood.

Aortic semilunar valve

The valve that lies between the left ventricle and the aorta.

Pulmonary semilunar valve

The valve that lies between the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk.

Coronary arteries

The arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.

Artery

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

Vein

A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.

Arterioles

Small blood vessels that branch from arteries and lead to capillaries.

Capillaries

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

Venules

Small vessels that collect blood from capillaries and drain into veins.

Vein differences

Veins have thinner walls, larger lumen, and often contain valves compared to arteries.

Aorta

The main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body.

Brachiocephalic artery

An artery that branches off the aortic arch, supplying blood to the upper right side of the body.

Common carotid artery

An artery that supplies blood to the head and neck.

Subclavian artery

An artery that stems from the aorta and supplies blood to the arms.

Pulmonary trunk

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

Celiac trunk

A major artery that supplies blood to the abdominal organs.

Superior mesenteric artery

An artery that supplies blood to the small intestine and part of the large intestine.

Inferior mesenteric artery

An artery that supplies blood to the lower part of the large intestine.

Iliac arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the pelvic region and lower limbs.

Jugular veins

Veins that drain blood from the head and neck.

Cephalic vein

A vein in the arm that is often used for intravenous injections.

Basilic vein

A vein that runs along the inner side of the arm.

Median cubital vein

A superficial vein in the arm, commonly used for venipuncture.

Great saphenous vein

The longest vein in the body, running along the length of the leg.

Popliteal artery

An artery located behind the knee that branches into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.

Dorsalis pedis artery

An artery in the foot, commonly assessed for blood flow.

Pulsation

The rhythmic expansion and contraction of blood vessels caused by the heartbeat.

Pulse Check

Assessing the heartbeat through palpation of arteries.

Sphygmomanometer

An instrument used to measure blood pressure.

Clinical correlation

The relevance of anatomy and physiology concepts to medical practice.

Acute marginal artery

An artery supplying blood to the colon, stemming from the mesenteric arteries.

Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve

A sensory nerve that supplies the lateral aspect of the forearm.

Azygos vein

A vein that drains the thoracic cavity and empties into the superior vena cava.

Common site for IV injection

The median cubital vein is frequently used for intravenous access.

Cardiac cycle

The sequence of events in one heartbeat, including contraction and relaxation of the heart.

Blood pressure measurement

The force of blood against the walls of blood vessels, commonly measured in mmHg.

Systemic circuit

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood to the body.

Pulmonary circuit

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Clinical anatomy

The study of anatomical structures as they relate to medical practice and clinical conditions.

Thoracic aorta

The part of the aorta that runs through the chest.

Abdominal aorta

The part of the aorta that runs through the abdomen.

Right coronary artery

An artery that supplies blood to the right side of the heart.

Left coronary artery

An artery that supplies blood to the left side of the heart.

Intercostal space

The space between ribs, often used as a landmark in medical procedures.

Fifth rib

A rib often referenced in cardiac examinations.

Clinical anatomy associations

Links between anatomical features and their clinical implications.

Reference materials

Sources of information used to supplement educational content.

Gray's anatomy for students

A foundational textbook on human anatomy.

Clinical anatomy by regions

A reference discussing anatomical structures by organ systems.