Heart Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from human anatomy related to the heart.

Pulmonary circuit

Blood flows from the right heart to the lungs for gas exchange; carbon dioxide is unloaded and oxygen is loaded.

Systemic circuit

Blood flows from the left heart to all body organs for gas exchange; oxygen is unloaded and carbon dioxide is loaded.

Mediastinum

The space in the thoracic cavity where the heart is located.

Pericardium

A double-walled membrane surrounding the heart, consisting of fibrous and serous layers.

Epicardium

The visceral layer of the serous pericardium; also known as the outer layer of the heart wall.

Myocardium

The thick middle layer of cardiac muscle that contracts to pump blood.

Endocardium

The inner layer of the heart wall, made of simple squamous epithelium.

Atria

Thin-walled, superior chambers of the heart that receive blood.

Ventricles

Thick-walled, inferior chambers of the heart that pump blood to the lungs and body.

Interatrial septum

The wall that separates the left and right atria.

Interventricular septum

The wall that separates the left and right ventricles.

Chordae tendineae

Tendinous cords that anchor heart valve flaps to papillary muscles.

Papillary muscles

Muscles that attach to the chords tendineae and help hold the heart valves in place.

Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles that prevent backflow during contraction.

Semilunar valves

Valves located at the exits of the ventricles that prevent backflow into the heart when blood is pumped out.

Right AV valve

Also known as the tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Left AV valve

Also known as the bicuspid or mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Pulmonary valve

A semilunar valve located at the exit of the right ventricle.

Aortic valve

A semilunar valve located at the exit of the left ventricle.

Coronary circulation

The circulation of blood to the heart muscle itself.

Left coronary artery (LCA)

The first branch off the aorta, supplying blood to the heart muscle.

Right coronary artery (RCA)

The first branch off the aorta that supplies blood to the right side of the heart.

Myocardial infarction

Also known as a heart attack; caused by blockage of blood flow to heart tissue.

Sinuatrial (SA) node

The pacemaker of the heart, initiating electrical signals for heartbeats.

Atrioventricular (AV) node

A node that receives signals from the SA node and relays them to the ventricles.

Purkinje fibers

Fibers that distribute electrical impulses through the ventricular myocardium.

Cardiac muscle

Specialized muscle tissue that makes up the heart, capable of continuous contraction.

Foramen ovale

An opening in the fetal heart allowing blood to bypass the lungs, closing at birth.

Ductus arteriosus

A fetal blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta, closing at birth.

Fossa ovalis

The remnant of the foramen ovale in the adult heart.

Ligamentum arteriosum

The remnant of the ductus arteriosus, connecting the left pulmonary artery to the aorta.

Coronary sinus

A large vein that collects blood from the heart muscle and drains into the right atrium.

Heart disease

A leading cause of death in the U.S., including coronary atherosclerosis and heart attacks.

Congenital defects

Abnormalities in heart structure present at birth, such as Tetralogy of Fallot.

Stenosis

Narrowing of heart valves that can affect blood flow.

Myocarditis

Inflammation of the heart muscle.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium surrounding the heart.

Vena cavae

The large veins that return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.