Cardiac Cycle and Heart Function

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the cardiac cycle, the phases of the heart's function, and the movement of blood through the heart.

What is systole in the cardiac cycle?

Systole is the period of contraction of the myocardium, generating pressure changes to move blood.

What is diastole in the cardiac cycle?

Diastole is the period of relaxation of the heart, allowing the chambers to fill with blood.

How does blood flow in the heart during the cardiac cycle?

Blood flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure unless blocked by valves.

Where does blood return to the heart from the body?

Blood returns to the atria from the body through the vena cavae and pulmonary veins.

What happens when the pressure in the atria exceeds that in the ventricles?

When the pressure in the atria exceeds that in the ventricles, the AV valves open, allowing blood to pass into the ventricles.

What role does gravity play in the cardiac cycle?

Gravity aids in the passage of blood into the ventricles.

Why is ventricular pressure lower during diastole?

Ventricular pressure is lower during diastole due to the relaxation and recoil of the ventricular walls.

What occurs during ventricular contraction?

During ventricular contraction, the ventricles contract against the pulmonary artery and aorta, causing the semilunar valves to open.

What do the atrial walls do during contraction?

During contraction, the atrial walls contract and work together with the recoil of the ventricular walls to pass blood into the ventricles.