BIOL 292 Lab Practical 2 Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts related to the electrical activity of the heart and the human circulatory system.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A recording of the electrical activity of the heart detected by electrodes placed on the skin.

Sinoatrial (SA) node

The natural pacemaker of the heart, where the cardiac cycle begins with the initiation of an action potential.

Atrioventricular (AV) node

The part of the heart located between the right atrium and right ventricle, transmitting action potentials from the SA node.

Bundle of His

Also known as the AV Bundle, it conducts action potentials from the AV node.

Purkinje fibers

Fibers that branch from the bundle branches, spreading electrical signals to the ventricles.

P wave

Represents the depolarization of the atria during the cardiac cycle.

QRS complex

Represents the depolarization of the ventricles and leads to their contraction.

T wave

Represents ventricular repolarization and subsequent relaxation.

Tachycardia

A condition where the heart rate is much faster than normal.

Bradycardia

A condition where the heart rate is much slower than normal.

Cardiac muscle contraction

The mechanical action caused by the depolarization of cardiac muscle cells that pumps blood.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where gas, nutrient, and waste exchange occurs.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart.

Brachiocephalic trunk

Major vessel that branches off from the aorta and divides into the right carotid and right subclavian arteries.

Common iliac artery

Artery formed by the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta, dividing into internal and external iliac arteries.

Blood flow tracing

The path that blood takes through the circulatory system from arteries to veins and back.