Chapter 20: The Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the cardiovascular system as discussed in the lecture.

Cardiology

The study of the normal heart and diseases associated with it.

Pericardium

The double-walled sac enclosing the heart, consisting of fibrous and serous layers.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out of the heart.

Myocardium

The muscular tissue of the heart, responsible for contraction.

Pacemaker

The sinoatrial (SA) node, which generates electrical impulses for heart rhythm.

Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Valves that allow blood flow from atria to ventricles and prevent backflow.

Coronary circulation

The flow of blood to and from the tissues of the heart.

Cardiac output (CO)

The volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle into the aorta each minute.

Frank-Starling law

The principle that the force of heart contraction increases with greater stretch of muscle fibers.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A recording of the electrical changes that accompany each heartbeat.

Arrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms resulting from defects in the conduction system of the heart.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

A condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow.