Heart Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to heart anatomy, physiology, and the electrical conduction system.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

A recording of electrical signals of the heart that helps monitor heart activity.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in the membrane potential of cardiac myocytes leading to contraction.

Ventricular Filling

The phase in the cardiac cycle where blood fills the ventricles, occurring during diastole.

Isovolumetric Contraction

The phase where ventricles contract with no change in volume as AV valves close.

Ventricular Ejection

The phase in which blood is expelled from the ventricles through the semilunar valves.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as stroke volume times heart rate.

P Wave

The deflection in an ECG representing atrial depolarization.

QRS Complex

The deflection in an ECG representing ventricular depolarization.

T Wave

The deflection in an ECG representing ventricular repolarization.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle during which the heart muscle contracts.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle during which the heart muscle relaxes and fills with blood.

Atrial Systole

The contraction of the atria which helps fill the ventricles.

Ventricular Diastole

The relaxation phase of the ventricles, allowing them to fill with blood.

Fibrillation

A serious heart condition where the heart chambers lose synchronized contraction, leading to ineffective pumping.

Heart Valves

Structures that ensure unidirectional blood flow through the heart, including AV and semilunar valves.

Cardiac Action Potential Plateau Phase

A prolonged depolarization phase in cardiac muscle that allows sustained contraction.

Stroke Volume

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

Tachycardia

A condition characterized by an abnormally rapid heart rate.

Bradycardia

A condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate.