Heart Function and Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to heart function and disorders.

Heart Function

The heart's primary role is to pump blood throughout the body.

Atria

The upper chambers of the heart; two in total (left and right), which receive blood.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart; larger than atria and responsible for pumping blood out.

Septum

The wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart.

Atrioventricular Valves (AV Valves)

Valves that separate the atria from their respective ventricles, including the tricuspid and bicuspid (mitral) valves.

Semilunar Valves

Valves located at the exits of the ventricles, including the aortic and pulmonary semilunar valves.

Heart Sounds

The sounds produced by the closing of heart valves, described as 'lub' (AV valves) and 'dup' (semilunar valves).

Blood Pressure

The pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, measured as systolic over diastolic.

Congestive Heart Failure

A condition where the left ventricle does not pump blood efficiently, often leading to fluid buildup.

Myocardial Infarction

Commonly known as a heart attack, it occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, causing cell death.

Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat resulting in abnormal electrical activity in the heart.

Bradycardia

A slower than normal heart rate.

Tachycardia

A faster than normal heart rate.

Defibrillator

A device that delivers a dose of electric current to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.

Pacemaker

A device that helps regulate the heart's rhythm by sending electrical signals.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart, showing the heart's rhythm and structure.