Cardiovascular System

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels, and associated physiological mechanisms.

Functions of the Heart

The major functions include pumping blood, supplying oxygen and nutrients, and removing waste products.

Pulmonary vs Systemic Circulation

Pulmonary circulation carries blood between the heart and lungs, while systemic circulation carries blood between the heart and the rest of the body.

Chambers of the Heart

The heart consists of four chambers: right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

Valves of the Heart

Heart valves include the tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve, which regulate blood flow between chambers.

Cardiac Muscle Characteristics

Cardiac muscle is striated, involuntary, has intercalated discs, and is autorhythmic.

SA Node

Sinoatrial node; the natural pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium.

Autorhythmic Cells

Cells that generate regular, spontaneous action potentials responsible for initiating heartbeat.

Action Potential in Cardiac Muscle

Involves ion influx (sodium, calcium) and efflux (potassium) leading to depolarization and repolarization phases.

Pacemaker vs Contractile Cells

Pacemaker cells initiate impulses; contractile cells respond to impulses to contract.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) Waves

Includes P wave, QRS complex, and T wave, representing different events in heart activity.

Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat; includes types such as tachycardia (fast) and bradycardia (slow).

Cardiac Cycle Phases

Includes phases of heart relaxation, atrial systole, ventricular systole, and ventricular diastole.

End-Diastolic Volume

The total blood volume in the ventricles at the end of filling before contraction.

Heart Sounds

Sounds made by the closing of heart valves, significant for assessing heart function.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The average pressure in a patient’s arteries during one cardiac cycle.

Intrinsic Regulation

The heart's regulation through its own pacemaker cells independent of external factors.

Extrinsic Regulation

The regulation of the heart by the autonomic nervous system, impacting heart rate through sympathetic and parasympathetic actions.

Congestive Heart Failure

A condition where the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup.

Blood Vessels Functions

Vessels transport blood, regulate blood pressure, and facilitate the exchange of nutrients and waste.

Blood Flow

The movement of blood through vessels, driven by pressure gradients.

Capillary Types

Types include continuous, fenestrated, and sinusoidal, each suited for specific functions in different tissues.

Pulse Pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Net Filtration Pressure

The difference between capillary hydrostatic pressure and osmotic pressures affecting material exchange.

Preload

The initial stretching of cardiac muscle prior to contraction, influenced by venous return.

Nervous Control of Blood Pressure

Involves baroreceptors and centers in the medulla to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.

Long-term Blood Pressure Control

Regulated primarily by hormonal mechanisms and changes in blood volume.

Hypertension vs Hypotension

Hypertension is high blood pressure, hypotension is low blood pressure, both having distinct health implications.

Cardiovascular Disorders

Includes heart murmurs, angina, heart failure, stroke, and related conditions affecting heart function.