Heart and Circulatory System Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the heart and circulatory system, providing definitions for essential terms discussed in the lecture.

Cardiac Muscle

Striated muscle found in the heart, shorter than skeletal muscle.

Intercalated Discs

Specialized connections between cardiac muscle cells that facilitate contraction.

Pulmonary Circuit

The circuit of blood flow from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.

Superior Vena Cava

A large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium of the heart.

Inferior Vena Cava

A large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium of the heart.

Tricuspid Valve

A valve located between the right atrium and right ventricle that prevents backflow of blood.

Bicuspid Valve

Also known as the mitral valve, it is located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Semilunar Valves

Valves that prevent backflow into the ventricles; includes pulmonary and aortic valves.

Aortic Valve

A semilunar valve that controls blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta.

Pulmonary Valve

A semilunar valve that controls blood flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary trunk.

Myocardial Infarction

The medical term for a heart attack, resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle.

Great Cardiac Vein

A vein that drains blood from the heart muscle and empties into the coronary sinus.

Coronary Sinus

A large vein that collects blood from the heart muscle and returns it to the right atrium.

Hypertension

Increased pressure within the arteries, indicative of the heart working hard.

Heart Murmur

An extra or unusual sound during the heartbeat cycle, often indicating a heart condition.