Anatomy and Physiology II Exam II

What is the function of the pericardium?

Protects the heart and reduces friction.

What fluid is found in the pericardial cavity?

Serous fluid.

What is the outermost layer of the heart wall?

Epicardium.

What is the middle layer of the heart wall?

Myocardium.

What is the innermost layer of the heart wall?

Endocardium.

Which heart layer contains cardiac muscle?

Myocardium.

Why is the left ventricle thicker than the right?

It pumps blood through systemic circulation.

What is coronary circulation?

Blood supply to the myocardium.

Is cardiac muscle voluntary or involuntary?

Involuntary.

What structures connect cardiac muscle cells?

Intercalated discs.

What is a functional syncytium?

Cells that contract as one unit.

What is autorhythmicity?

Ability to generate impulses spontaneously.

Which muscle type has branched cells?

Cardiac muscle.

What is the heart's natural pacemaker?

SA node.

Where is the SA node located?

Right atrium.

What receives impulses from the SA node?

AV node.

Why does the AV node delay impulses?

To allow ventricular filling.

What is another name for the AV bundle?

Bundle of His.

What carries impulses down the interventricular septum?

Bundle branches.

What fibers stimulate ventricular contraction?

Purkinje fibers.

What is the normal conduction pathway?

SA → AV → His → Bundle branches → Purkinje.