Pulmonary Circulation Systems and The Sinoatrial Node

Practice flashcards covering the concepts of pulmonary and systemic circulation, heart mechanics, and the role of the sinoatrial node in the heart's conduction system.

What is the primary function of the combined systemic and pulmonary circulation systems?

To bring oxygen to the cells and remove waste products from the cells.

What is defined as the flow of blood only between the heart and lungs?

Pulmonary circulation.

Which blood vessels carry deoxygenated blood out of the right ventricle and into the lungs?

The pulmonary arteries.

Why are the pulmonary arteries unique compared to other arteries in the body?

They are located in the only place in the body where deoxygenated blood is carried by arteries instead of veins.

What gas exchange occurs in the lungs during pulmonary circulation?

Carbon dioxide from the body is exchanged for oxygen from the inhaled air.

Which blood vessels carry oxygenated blood from the lungs into the left atrium of the heart?

The pulmonary veins.

Why are the pulmonary veins unique compared to other veins in the body?

They are located in the only place in the body where veins carry oxygenated blood.

What is included in systemic circulation?

The flow of blood to all parts of the body except the lungs.

From which chamber of the heart does oxygenated blood flow into arterial circulation?

The left ventricle.

Into which chamber of the heart do veins carry deoxygenated blood?

The right atrium.

What determines the rate and regularity of the heartbeat?

Electrical impulses from nerves that stimulate the myocardium of the chambers of the heart.

Which three structures control the electrical impulses of the conduction system?

The sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, and bundle of His.

Where is the sinoatrial (SA) node located?

In the posterior wall of the right atrium near the entrance of the superior vena cava.

Why is the sinoatrial (SA) node known as the natural pacemaker of the heart?

Because it establishes the basic rhythm and rate of the heart.

What effect does the electrical impulse from the SA node have on the atria?

The impulse spreads over the muscles of both atria, causing them to contract simultaneously and force blood into the ventricles.