Circulation of the Heart and Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the circulation of the heart and the cardiovascular system.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart (left atrium and right atrium) where blood enters.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart (left ventricle and right ventricle) that pump blood out of the heart.

Right Atrium

The chamber of the heart that receives unoxygenated blood from the body.

Tricuspid Valve

The valve that separates the right atrium from the right ventricle.

Pulmonary Valve

The valve that prevents backflow into the right ventricle after blood has entered the pulmonary artery.

Pulmonary Artery

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

Left Atrium

The chamber of the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.

Mitral Valve

Also known as the left atrioventricular valve, it separates the left atrium and left ventricle.

Aortic Valve

The valve that separates the left ventricle from the aorta.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Coronary Circulation

The circulation of blood within the heart muscle; coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood to the heart.

Collateral Circulation

An alternate route of blood flow that develops when a primary pathway is blocked or narrowed.

Foramen Ovale

A fetal heart structure that allows blood to bypass the lungs by flowing from the right atrium to the left atrium.

Ductus Arteriosus

A fetal blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta, allowing blood to bypass the lungs.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle per minute; it is affected by stroke volume and heart rate.

Stroke Volume

The amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle in one contraction.

Heart Rate

The number of heartbeats per minute.

Chyle

A milky bodily fluid consisting of lymph and emulsified fats, drained from the intestines by lacteals.

Lymphatic System

A network of tissues and organs that helps to rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Lymph Nodes

Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph fluid and are key in the immune response.

Sinoatrial Node (SA Node)

The heart's natural pacemaker located in the right atrium; it initiates the electrical impulses.

Atrioventricular Node (AV Node)

The node that serves as a gateway for impulses between the atria and ventricles.

Purkinje Fibers

Fibers in the ventricles that spread electrical impulses to the myocardial cells, causing contraction.

Heart Murmur

An abnormal heart sound usually due to turbulent blood flow, often indicating a valve problem.

Lymph

A clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, containing white blood cells and waste products.

Valvular Insufficiency

A condition in which a valve does not close properly, allowing for backflow of blood.