Heart and Circulation

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and terms related to the heart and circulatory system.

Cardiovascular System

The system that comprises the heart and blood vessels, responsible for the circulation of blood.

Functions of the Cardiovascular System

Includes transportation of respiratory gases, nutrients, wastes, regulation of hormones and temperature, and protection against blood loss and pathogens.

Pulmonary Circulation

The movement of blood between the heart and lungs.

Systemic Circulation

The pathway of blood from the heart to the rest of the body and back to the heart.

Chambers of the Heart

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

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves located between the atria and the ventricles; includes the tricuspid and bicuspid (mitral) valves.

Semilunar Valves

Valves located at the entrance of the pulmonary artery and aorta; includes the aortic and pulmonary valves.

Myocardium

The muscular tissue of the heart responsible for contracting and pumping blood.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events in a heartbeat, including systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation).

Electrical Activity of the Heart

The conduction system that includes the sinoatrial node (SA node) and atrioventricular node (AV node), which regulate heart rhythms.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart, representing different phases like P wave and QRS complex.

Blood Pressure

The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, measured in mmHg.

Venous Return

The flow of blood back to the heart via veins, assisted by valves and muscle contractions.

Atherosclerosis

A condition that involves the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls.

Heart Sounds

Sounds produced by the beating heart, specifically the closing of valves; commonly referred to as 'lub' and 'dub'.