Cardiovascular System

Apex

The pointed or rounded end of a conical structure, often referring to the bottom tip of the heart.

Base

The broader or flat upper part of an organ, often referring to the top of the heart.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels that supply the heart muscle (myocardium) with oxygen and nutrients.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and carrying oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation.

Pulmonary Arteries

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.

Pulmonary Veins

Blood vessels that transport oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.

Tricuspid

Pertaining to the tricuspid valve, a valve between the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart.

Bicuspid/Mitral

Pertaining to the bicuspid (mitral) valve, a valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart.

Atrium/Atria

The upper chambers of the heart (left and right atrium), receiving blood.

Ventricle

The lower chambers of the heart (left and right ventricle), pumping blood to the rest of the body.

Septum

A wall or partition dividing a cavity, such as the interatrial septum or interventricular septum in the heart.

Inferior Vena Cava

Drains blood from the lower part of the body.

Superior Vena Cava

Drains blood from the upper part of the body.

Nodes

In the context of the heart, specialized tissue that regulates the heartbeat.

Atrioventricular (AV) Node

Controls the impulses between the atria and ventricles.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

Initiates the electrical impulses that regulate the heart rate.

Pacemaker

An artificial device that regulates the heartbeat, often implanted in the chest to treat irregular heart rhythms.

Stent

A small mesh tube inserted into a narrowed or blocked blood vessel to keep it open.

Heart Disease

A broad term encompassing various conditions that affect the heart's structure and function.

Endothermic Regulation

The ability of warm-blooded organisms to regulate their internal body temperature.

Heart Health - Smart Choices

Refers to lifestyle choices and habits that promote a healthy cardiovascular system, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.

Chordae Tendineae

Fibrous cords in the heart that connect the atrioventricular valves to the papillary muscles.

Trabeculae Carneae

Irregular muscular ridges in the walls of the ventricles of the heart.

Auricle

A small, ear-shaped appendage or atrial appendage of the heart.

LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device)

A mechanical device implanted to assist the left ventricle in pumping blood, often used as a bridge to heart transplantation.

Angioplasty

A medical procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed blood vessels, typically using a balloon catheter.

Vasoconstrictor

A substance that causes blood vessels to narrow, increasing blood pressure.

Pericardium

The double-layered sac surrounding the heart, consisting of the visceral pericardium (epicardium) and the parietal pericardium.