Cardiovascular Anatomy of the Dog and Cat

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the cardiovascular anatomy lecture focused on dogs and cats, aiding in preparation for exams.

Embryogenesis

The process of development of the heart and associated structures from embryonic tissues.

Primitive Heart Tube

The initial formation of the heart from paired endothelial strands within the cardiogenic mesoderm.

Cardiac Looping

A developmental step where the straight heart tube undergoes rightward looping to position atria and ventricles.

Septation of the Atria

The division of the atrial chamber through the growth of septa, resulting in atrial septal defects if not completed properly.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A congenital defect allowing for abnormal communication between the ventricles due to failure of the interventricular septum to close.

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves (tricuspid and mitral) that regulate blood flow between the atria and ventricles, formed by endocardial cushion tissue.

Ductus Arteriosus

A fetal blood vessel connecting the pulmonary trunk to the aorta, normally closing after birth.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

A failure of the ductus arteriosus to close, leading to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery in the postnatal period.

Fibrous Skeleton of the Heart

A dense connective tissue structure that supports the heart's valves and separates electrical impulses between atria and ventricles.

Triglycerides

A type of fat measured in blood that can be indicative of various health conditions including heart disease.

Major Arteries

Arteries such as the brachiocephalic trunk, common carotid arteries, and subclavian arteries that branch from the aorta to supply blood to the body.

Major Veins

Veins that carry deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart, including the jugular veins and cephalic vein.

Coronary Circulation

The system of arteries and veins that supplies blood to the heart muscle itself.

Sinoatrial Node (SA Node)

The heart's primary pacemaker located at the junction of the cranial vena cava and the right atrium.

Atrioventricular Node (AV Node)

The node that provides electrical connection between atria and ventricles, ensuring proper timing of contractions.

Frank–Starling Mechanism

A principle stating that the strength of the heart's contraction is directly proportional to the degree of stretch of the ventricular muscle fibers.

Baroreceptor Reflex

A reflex mechanism that helps regulate blood pressure by sensing stretch in arterial walls.

Bainbridge Reflex

A reflex that increases heart rate in response to increased venous return.

Echocardiography

An imaging technique used to visualize heart structures, assess function, and diagnose cardiovascular conditions.

Murmurs

Sounds produced by turbulent blood flow in the heart or great vessels, which can indicate underlying pathology.

Cardiac Cachexia

A syndrome of weight loss and muscle wasting associated with advanced heart failure.

Cardiorenal Syndrome

A condition in which heart dysfunction leads to kidney impairment and vice versa, complicating management.

Cushing Reflex

A physiological response to increased intracranial pressure, characterized by hypertension and bradycardia.

Pulmonary Hypertension

An increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often resulting from various heart and lung conditions.

Aorta

The main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood towards the heart, with larger lumens than arteries.

Vertebral Heart Score (VHS)

A radiographic measurement used to assess the size of the heart in relation to the vertebral column.

Interventricular Septum

The wall that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart, integral to maintaining efficient blood flow.

Pulmonary Circuit

The path by which deoxygenated blood is circulated from the heart to the lungs and back.

Systemic Circuit

The path by which oxygenated blood is circulated from the heart to the rest of the body.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, dependent on heart rate and stroke volume.

Volume Overload

Condition where the heart is subjected to excessive filling, leading to enlargement and dysfunction.

Pressure Overload

Condition where the heart must work against increased pressure, leading to hypertrophy.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

A congenital condition where there is an abnormal connection between the left and right atria.

Tetralogy of Fallot

A congenital heart defect consisting of four heart malformations that result in insufficiently oxygenated blood being pumped to the body.

Cor Triatriatum

A rare heart defect characterized by the presence of an extra fibrous membrane in the heart.

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD)

A degenerative condition affecting the mitral valve, commonly seen in small breed dogs.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

A condition characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, leading to diastolic dysfunction.