Physiology of Domestic Animals - Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the cardiovascular system as presented in the lecture notes on the physiology of domestic animals.

Cardiovascular System

The body’s internal transport network including the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

The specialized muscle tissue that makes up the heart, known for its ability to contract.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events in the heart from one heartbeat to the next, including systoles and diastoles.

Electrocardiography

A method of recording electrical activity of the heart over time through electrodes placed on the skin.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out of the heart.

Pericardium

A fluid-filled sac that surrounds and supports the heart.

Chambers of the Heart

The four main parts of the heart: right atria, right ventricle, left atria, left ventricle.

SA Node

Sinoatrial node, the primary pacemaker of the heart, responsible for initiating the heartbeat.

AV Node

Atrioventricular node, which collects impulses from the SA node and signals the ventricles to contract.

Cardiac Pacemaker Cells

Specialized cells responsible for generating electrical impulses in the heart.

Chordae Tendineae

Tendinous cords that connect heart valves to papillary muscles, preventing valve prolapse.

Heart Sounds

The sounds made by the closing of heart valves; 'Lub' and 'Dub' are the primary sounds heard.

Heart Murmurs

Abnormal heart sounds often caused by valve issues.

Aortic Valve

A semilunar valve located between the left ventricle and aorta.

Pulmonary Valve

A semilunar valve located between the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries.

Mitral Valve

Also known as the bicuspid valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Tricuspid Valve

The right atrioventricular valve located between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute.

Heart Rate (HR)

The number of beats per minute at which the heart beats.

Cardiac Auscultation

The process of listening to heart sounds using a stethoscope.

Atrial Systole

The contraction of the atria in the cardiac cycle.

Ventricular Systole

The contraction of the ventricles in the cardiac cycle.

Atrial Diastole

The relaxation phase of the atria between contractions.

Ventricular Diastole

The relaxation phase of the ventricles between contractions.

Intercalated Disks

Structures that connect cardiomyocytes, allowing synchronized contraction.

Epicardium

The outermost layer of the heart wall and part of the pericardium.

Myocardium

The thick muscular layer of the heart responsible for contraction.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart that lines the chambers.

Cardiomyocytes

Cardiac muscle cells that constitute the myocardium.

Apex of Heart

The tapered, free end of the heart pointing downwards.

Base of Heart

The broader, attached end of the heart facing upward.

Pulmonary Circuit

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Systemic Circuit

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood to the body.

Blood Vessels

The tubes through which blood circulates in the body, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Sinoatrial Node (SA Node)

The primary pacemaker of the heart.

Purkinje Fibers

Fibers that conduct the action potential to the ventricles.

Action Potential

An electrical impulse that causes cardiac contraction.

Myofilaments

The filaments of myofibrils, composed mainly of actin and myosin.

Sarcomeres

The functional units of muscle contraction found in myofilaments.

Metabolism

The biochemical processes that occur within a living organism.

Pulmonary Trunk

The major artery that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Superior Vena Cava

The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium.

Inferior Vena Cava

The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium.

Blood Pressure

The pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.

Capillary Dynamics

The process of nutrient and gas exchange between blood and tissues at the capillary level.

Cardiac Cycle Phases

Phases include atrial systole, ventricular systole, atrial diastole, and ventricular diastole.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A graph that shows the electrical activity of the heart.

P Wave

Represents atrial depolarization in an ECG.

QRS Complex

Represents ventricular depolarization in an ECG.

T Wave

Represents ventricular repolarization in an ECG.

Ta Wave

Represents atrial repolarization, usually hidden in the QRS complex.

Neural Control of Heart

Regulation of heart rate and force of contraction by the nervous system.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that increases heart rate.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that decreases heart rate.

Fibrous Pericardium

The tough outer layer of the pericardium.

Serous Pericardium

The inner layer of the pericardium, made of epithelial tissue.

Chamber Filling

The process of blood entering the chambers of the heart during diastole.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries during ventricular contraction.

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries during ventricular relaxation.