THE HEART ANATOMY 2

What are the two types of nerve fibers involved in heart innervation and their functions?

Parasympathetic fibers inhibit heart activity, while sympathetic fibers stimulate heart activity.

What is the origin of parasympathetic fibers that innervate the heart?

The vagus nerve.

What is the function of sympathetic fibers in heart innervation?

They stimulate heart rate and contraction strength.

Where does referred pain from the heart typically get perceived?

In areas innervated by the same spinal cord levels, often in the arm and chest wall.

What is the spinal cord level for heart innervation?

T1-T4.

What are the three layers of the heart wall?

Epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium.

What is the function of the heart's conducting system?

To initiate and coordinate the heart's rhythmic contractions.

Which part of the heart is known as the pacemaker?

The SA node.

What is the function of the AV node?

To delay the impulse received from the SA node, allowing for complete atrial contraction before ventricular contraction.

What do the coronary arteries do?

Deliver oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.

What is coronary catheterization?

A procedure that involves threading a catheter to the origin of the coronary arteries.

What is the difference between valve stenosis and valve incompetence?

Stenosis is the narrowing of the valve opening, while incompetence (or regurgitation) is when the valve does not close properly, leading to backflow of blood.

What covers the heart, providing protection?

The pericardium.

What is pericarditis?

Inflammation of the pericardium.

What separates the right and left atria?

The interatrial septum.

What is the role of the right ventricle?

To pump deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary arteries for pulmonary circulation.

What does systemic circulation do?

Carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body tissues.

What circulatory system returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium?

Systemic circulation via the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava.