Cardiology and the Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to cardiology and the cardiovascular system.

Cardiology

The healthcare specialty that deals with cardiovascular diseases and disorders.

Cardiologist

A physician that specializes in internal medicine and cardiology.

Vascular Surgeons

Medical doctors who specialize in vascular disease, diagnosing and treating artery and vein conditions.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Doctors that specialize in surgical procedures involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest.

Hematology

The branch of medicine focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to blood and blood-forming organs.

Hematologist

A medical professional who treats patients with blood, bone marrow, vascular system, lymph gland, and spleen disorders.

Blood Vessels

Structures including arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins that carry blood.

Heart

The organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

Blood

Contains nutrients for cells and carries waste products to be excreted.

Pericardium

The outermost layer enclosing the heart, consisting of two thin fibrous protective layers.

Myocardium

The middle layer of the heart that contains the heart muscle.

Endocardium

The innermost layer that lines the heart.

Epicardium

The saclike membrane surrounding the heart, part of the pericardium.

Cardiovascular System

Also known as the circulatory system; it brings oxygen, nutrients, water, and other substances to body cells and removes waste products.

Coronary Circulation

Pumps blood from the heart to the heart.

Pulmonary Circulation

Carries deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs for gas exchange.

Systemic Circulation

Pumps oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart throughout the body.