CVS 1

Vocabulary flashcards for the cardiovascular system lecture.

Cardiovascular System

consists of the heart and blood vessels.

Cardio-

Pertaining to the heart.

-vascular

Pertaining to blood vessels.

Mediastinum

The space in the chest between the lungs that contains the heart and other structures.

Cardiac Notch

The indentation in the left lung that accommodates the heart.

Atrium

The upper chambers of the heart; the right and left atria.

Ventricle

The lower chambers of the heart; the right and left ventricles.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood to the heart.

Systemic Circulation

The circulation of blood to all organs and tissues of the body except the lungs.

Aorta

The main artery carrying blood from the heart to the body.

Superior Vena Cava

A large vein carrying blood from the upper body to the heart.

Inferior Vena Cava

A large vein carrying blood from the lower body to the heart.

Pulmonary Circulation

The circulation of blood to and from the lungs.

Atrio-Ventricular Valves

Heart valves located between the atria and ventricles.

Tricuspid Valve

The valve between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Bicuspid Valve

The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle; also known as the mitral valve.

Mitral Valve

Also known as the Bicuspid Valve; located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Semi-Lunar Valves

Heart valves located at the exits of the ventricles.

Chordae Tendineae

Tough strands of connective tissue that connect the atrioventricular valves to papillary muscles.

Papillary Muscles

Cone shaped muscles located in the ventricles that anchor the chordae tendineae.

Epicardium

The outer layer of the heart wall; also known as the visceral pericardium.

Myocardium

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

Endocardium

The inner lining of the heart.

Intercalated Discs

Specialized connections between cardiac muscle cells that allow rapid electrical communication

Desmosome

A site of strong adhesion between cardiac muscle cells that resists pulling apart.

Gap Junction

A specialized channel between cardiac muscle cells that allows electrical signals to pass rapidly.

Pericardial Cavity

A fluid-filled space surrounding the heart.