Cardiovascular System Anatomy and Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical structures, membranes, and muscle layers of the cardiovascular system as presented in the lecture notes.

Cardiovascular

Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.

Mediastinum

The anatomical space between the lungs and behind the sternum (breastbone) where the heart sits.

Septum

A muscular wall dividing the heart into right and left sides.

Pericardium

A two-layered, protective membrane (literally "around the heart") that surrounds the heart and roots of the great vessels.

Great vessels

The major vascular structures connected to the heart, specifically the aorta, pulmonary trunk, pulmonary veins, and superior and inferior vena cava.

Parietal pericardium

The outer layer of the pericardial sac that lies posterior and adjacent to the thoracic vertebrae and superior to the diaphragm, acting as an efficient barrier to infection from surrounding structures.

Visceral pericardium

The inner layer of the pericardium (also known as the epicardium) that adheres to the heart and covers the first several centimeters of the great vessels.

Pericardial fluid

A fluid measuring typically $10\,mL$ to $30\,mL$ in volume that lubricates the surface of the pericardium and facilitates movement during the heart's pumping action.

Myocardium

The contracting muscle of the heart, consisting of striated muscle fibers interlaced into bundles.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart muscle, composed of a thin layer of endothelium and a thin layer of connective tissue.