Anatomy of the Heart

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical structures of the heart as listed in the lecture notes.

Superior vena cava

A large vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium.

Aortic valve

The semilunar valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta that prevents the backflow of blood.

Right pulmonary artery

A blood vessel that transports deoxygenated blood from the pulmonary trunk to the right lung.

Branches of right pulmonary veins

Vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the right lung to the left atrium.

Right atrium

The heart chamber that receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cava.

Opening of coronary sinus

The location in the right atrium where deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle itself is emptied.

Tricuspid valve

The atrioventricular valve located between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

Right ventricle

The heart chamber that pumps deoxygenated blood through the pulmonary trunk to the lungs.

Inferior vena cava

A large vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, which carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to systemic circulation.

Left pulmonary artery

A blood vessel that transports deoxygenated blood from the pulmonary trunk to the left lung.

Pulmonary trunk

The major vessel originating from the right ventricle that splits into the left and right pulmonary arteries.

Left pulmonary veins

Vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the left lung to the left atrium.

Left atrium

The heart chamber that receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins.

Bicuspid valve

Also known as the mitral valve, this is the atrioventricular valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle.

Chordae tendineae

Small, tendon-like strings that anchor the atrioventricular valves to the papillary muscles.

Left ventricle

The heart chamber that pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta for distribution to the rest of the body.

Papillary muscle

Muscles located in the ventricles that attach to the chordae tendineae to ensure the heart valves close properly.

Interventricular septum

The thick muscular wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart.