Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to cardiovascular anatomy and physiology.

Pericardium

A double-layered sac that contains the heart, consisting of the fibrous pericardium and the serous pericardium.

Myocardium

The middle, muscular layer of the heart, composed of cardiac muscle that contracts to pump blood.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart, a thin, smooth membrane lining the heart and heart valves.

Atria

Thin-walled muscular structures of the heart that receive blood returning to the heart.

Ventricles

Thick-walled chambers of the heart that pump blood out of the heart.

Atrioventricular valves

Valves that separate the atria from the ventricles, including the tricuspid and mitral valves.

Semilunar valves

Valves that separate the ventricles from the large blood vessels leading away from the heart.

Cardiac output

The amount of blood pumped from the left ventricle to the body in one minute.

Stroke volume

The volume of blood pumped with each heartbeat.

Sinoatrial (SA) node

The natural pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium that generates electrical impulses.

Purkinje fibers

Fibers that conduct electrical impulses to the ventricular muscles, stimulating contraction.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

Calculated as the diastolic pressure plus one-third of the pulse pressure; important for assessing blood flow.

Ischemia

A condition where there is a lack of oxygen delivery to an organ due to blood vessel obstruction.

Myocardial infarction

The death of myocardial cells due to lack of oxygen, commonly known as a heart attack.

Cardiac valve

Structures in the heart that ensure one-directional blood flow between chambers.

Chambers of the heart

Includes the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

Contractility

The strength of cardiac muscle contractions, influenced by the heart's ability to contract.