Heart and Circulatory System

This set of flashcards covers the heart and circulatory system, including structures, functions, and important concepts relevant to understanding cardiovascular and lymphatic anatomy and physiology.

What are the major layers of the heart and their functions?

Identify the heart's major layers including the epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium, along with their respective functions.

What distinguishes the apex from the base of the heart?

The apex is the pointed tip of the heart, while the base is the broader upper part where major blood vessels attach.

How does blood travel through the pulmonary and systemic circuits?

Blood travels from the heart to the lungs (pulmonary) for oxygenation and then to the rest of the body (systemic) to deliver oxygen.

What is the role of the heart's intrinsic conduction system?

It generates and conducts electrical impulses to coordinate the heart's contraction.

What events are linked to heart sounds and the cardiac cycle?

Heart sounds 'lub dup' occur during valve closures in relation to systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation).

What does the equation HR x SV = CO represent?

Heart Rate (HR) times Stroke Volume (SV) equals Cardiac Output (CO), indicating blood flow efficiency.

What are the key differences between arteries, veins, and capillaries?

Arteries have thicker walls and carry blood away from the heart; veins have valves and carry blood back to the heart; capillaries are thin-walled for exchange.

What is blood pressure and how do you differentiate systolic and diastolic pressures?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against vessel walls; systolic pressure is the peak during heartbeats, and diastolic pressure is the lowest when the heart is at rest.

What are the four pulse points and their corresponding arteries?

The carotid, brachial, radial, and femoral arteries are the main pulse points.

What factors affect blood pressure?

Factors include heart rate, blood volume, resistance of blood vessels, stress, and physical activity.

What are the major components and roles of blood?

Blood is composed of plasma (which contains water, electrolytes, proteins, and nutrients) and formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).

How do antigens, antibodies, and agglutination relate to blood types?

Antigens are markers on red blood cells; antibodies are in plasma; agglutination occurs when antibodies bind to antigens, causing blood clumping.

What distinguishes lymphatic vessels from cardiovascular vessels?

Lymphatic vessels collect and return lymph to the bloodstream, while cardiovascular vessels transport blood throughout the body.

What functions do lymph nodes serve in body defenses?

Lymph nodes filter lymph and house immune cells that help to fight infections.

What structures are involved in the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems on a maniken?

In the cardiovascular system: heart, aorta, vena cava, and pulse point arteries; in the lymphatic system: thoracic duct and various lymph nodes.