Chapter 20: The Cardiovascular System: The Heart

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 20 on the cardiovascular system, focusing on heart anatomy, physiology, and associated diseases.

Cardiovascular System

The system that consists of the blood, heart, and blood vessels.

Cardiology

The study of the normal heart and diseases associated with it.

Pericardium

The membrane enclosing the heart, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer.

Myocardium

The middle layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle.

Endocardium

The inner layer of the heart wall that consists of endothelium and connective tissue.

Atrioventricular (AV) Valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles that prevent backflow of blood.

Semilunar Valves

Valves that prevent backflow of blood from the arteries back into the ventricles.

Stenosis

Narrowing of a heart valve that restricts blood flow.

Myocardial Ischemia

Reduced blood flow through coronary arteries that may weaken myocardial cells.

Ductus Arteriosus

A vessel in a fetus that shunts blood from the pulmonary trunk into the aorta; closes at birth.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood ejected from the left or right ventricle into the aorta or pulmonary trunk each minute.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The volume of blood ejected by the ventricle with each contraction.

Frank-Starling Law

The principle that more stretch (preload) on cardiac muscle fibers increases their force of contraction.

Echocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A recording of the electrical changes that accompany each heartbeat.

Arrhythmia

An irregularity in heart rhythm due to a defect in the conduction system of the heart.

Congestive Heart Failure

A condition where the heart is unable to supply sufficient oxygen demands of the body.

Cardiac Tamponade

A dangerous condition where bleeding into the pericardial cavity compresses the heart.

Atrial Systole

The contraction of the atria during the cardiac cycle.

Ventricular Systole

The contraction of the ventricles during the cardiac cycle.

Coronary Circulation

The flow of blood through the vessels supplying the heart muscle.

Auscultation

The act of listening to sounds within the body, typically using a stethoscope.