Cardiovascular System Lecture Review

Practice flashcards covering the anatomy, physiology, and common disorders of the cardiovascular system based on lecture notes.

What are the primary functions of the cardiovascular system?

To pump blood throughout the body using structures that work together, carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells and aiding in the elimination of wastes.

Where is the heart located and what is its approximate size?

It is located in the central part of the chest, slightly left of the midline (sternum), is cone-shaped, and is the size of a loose fist.

What are the three layers of the heart?

The Endocardium (innermost layer), Myocardium (middle muscular layer), and Pericardium (outermost membrane that secretes fluid to protect against friction).

How are the four chambers of the heart divided?

There are two upper chambers called atria and two lower chambers called ventricles.

What are the two types of Atrioventricular (AV) valves and where are they located?

The Tricuspid valve is between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the Bicuspid (Mitral) valve is between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Describe the function of arteries and veins.

Arteries/arterioles carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (e.g., the aorta), while veins/venules carry deoxygenated blood to the heart (e.g., superior and inferior vena cava).

What is the function of capillaries?

They are the smallest blood vessels that connect arteries to veins and aid in the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between blood and cells.

What is the normal resting heart rate maintained by the electrical system?

A steady heart rate of $60-100\,\text{beats per minute}$ at rest.

What is the sequence of the heart's conduction system during one heartbeat?

The SA node (pacemaker) sends an impulse causing atria to contract; the impulse then travels to the AV node, through the Bundle of His, to the bundle branches, and finally through the Purkinje fibers, causing the ventricles to contract.

What is the difference between Systole and Diastole?

Systole is the phase where the heart chamber contracts and blood is ejected, while Diastole is the period of relaxation where the chamber fills with blood.

How is blood pressure defined and where is it highest and lowest?

It is the force blood exerts on the inner walls of blood vessels; it is highest in the arteries and lowest in the veins.

What are the factors that affect blood pressure?

Cardiac output (speed and strength of heartbeat), blood volume, vasoconstriction and vasodilation, and blood viscosity (thickness).

What is Myocardial Infarction and its common causes?

Also known as a heart attack, it is caused by coronary artery blockage due to atherosclerosis or a blood clot, leading to ischemia (restriction of oxygen-rich blood flow).

What is atherosclerosis?

The deposition of plaques of fatty material on the inner walls of the arteries.

What is an aneurysm?

A bulge or "ballooning" in the wall of an artery.

What occurs during Congestive Heart Failure?

The heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should, often caused by hypertension or a previous heart attack.

What is Thrombophlebitis?

A condition where a blood clot forms and blocks veins, usually in the legs.

What is Mitral Valve Prolapse?

A condition where the mitral valve does not close smoothly or evenly, causing the backflow of blood.