Heart Anatomy Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to heart anatomy, including its structure, function, circulation, and heart sounds.

Location of the heart

The heart is located in the thoracic cavity, with its base at the top and apex at the inferior tip.

Base of the heart

The superior surface where great vessels like the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, aorta, and pulmonary trunk attach.

Apex of the heart

The inferior tip of the heart.

Function of the pulmonary circuit

Moves blood between the heart and lungs for oxygenation.

Function of the systemic circuit

Delivers oxygen to tissues from the heart.

Heart chambers

The heart consists of four chambers: two atria and two ventricles.

Role of atria

Atria receive blood from the body or lungs and contract to push blood into the ventricles.

Role of ventricles

Ventricles contract to pump blood to the lungs or to the rest of the body.

Atrioventricular valves

Valves that prevent blood from flowing back into the atria when ventricles contract.

Semilunar valves

Valves that prevent blood from flowing back from the arteries into the ventricles.

First heart sound (S1)

Heard when the atrioventricular valves close.

Second heart sound (S2)

Heard when the semilunar valves close.

Mitral valve

The atrioventricular valve on the left side of the heart.

Tricuspid valve

The atrioventricular valve on the right side of the heart.

Right coronary artery

Supplies blood to the right side of the heart and regulates heart rhythm.

Left coronary artery

Supplies blood to the left side of the heart.

LAD artery

The largest coronary artery, serving the heart's left side.

Posterior descending artery (PDA)

Carries blood to the inferior and posterior portions of the heart.

Right-dominant circulation

Condition where the PDA is supplied predominantly by the right main coronary artery.

Heart anatomy disparities

All hearts share the same structure with similar chambers, valves, and major vessels.

Differences between arteries and veins

Arteries transport blood away under higher pressure, veins transport blood toward the heart under lower pressure.