heart

Heart Size

The size of a fist.

Heart Location

In the mediastinum.

Apex of the Heart

The pointed end of the heart.

Fibrous Pericardium

The structure that encloses the heart like a bag.

Layers of Fibrous Pericardium

Visceral pericardium (inner, touches the heart) and parietal pericardium (outer).

Epicardium Function

Reduces friction and is the outer layer of the heart wall.

Endocardium

Lines the inner chambers of the heart.

Pulmonary vs. Systemic Circulation

Pulmonary circulation eliminates carbon dioxide and oxygenates blood, while systemic circulation delivers oxygenated blood to body cells and removes waste.

Coronary Arteries Purpose

Supply blood to the heart itself and are located on the heart's surface.

Function of Aorta

Carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

Pulmonary Trunk and Veins Role

Pulmonary trunk carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs, and pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood to the heart.

Blood Vessels Returning Deoxygenated Blood

The superior and inferior vena cava.

Main Branches of Aorta

Right and left coronary arteries, brachiocephalic artery, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery.

Upper Chambers of the Heart

Atria; they receive blood returning to the heart through veins.

Lower Chambers of the Heart

Ventricles; they receive blood from the atria and pump it out through arteries.

Septum

The structure that separates the right and left sides of the heart.

One-way Blood Flow

Ensured by heart valves.

Atrioventricular Valves

Tricuspid valve (right) and bicuspid/mitral valve (left).

Heart Valve Flaps

Cusp; anchored by chordae tendineae.

Heart Contraction and Relaxation

Systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation).

Lub-Dub Sound of Heart

Caused by the opening and closing of heart valves.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) Record

Records electrical events during the cardiac cycle.

ECG Waves Representation

P wave: depolarization of atria; QRS complex: depolarization of ventricles; T wave: repolarization of ventricles.

Tachycardia

A fast heart rate.

Bradycardia

A slow heart rate.

Arrhythmia

An irregular heart rate.

Function of Arteries vs. Veins

Arteries carry blood away from the heart and are stronger; veins carry blood toward the heart and are thinner.

Capillaries

Allow for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients.

Precapillary Sphincters

Valve-like muscles at arteriole-capillary junctions that regulate blood flow.

Blood Pressure Cuff Measurement

Measures the force of blood during systole and diastole.

Average Blood Pressure for an Adult

120/80 mmHg.

SADS/SIDS

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome/Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, often caused by heart rhythm issues.

Function of Defibrillator

Delivers electrical impulses to restart the heart's rhythm.

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)

When the mitral valve is out of place.

Myocardial Infarction

A heart attack caused by blocked blood flow to the heart.

Heart Murmur Cause

An irregular heartbeat due to valve problems or other issues.

Mitral Regurgitation

Blood leaking back into the mitral valve.

Aneurysm

A swelling in an artery.

Atherosclerosis

A condition where plaque builds up in the arteries.

Hypertension

High blood pressure.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure.