Week 2: Cardiac Muscle

Vocabulary flashcards covering membranes, pericardial anatomy, heart chambers, valves, coronary circulation, cardiac muscle histology, and electrophysiology.

Serous Membrane

Double-layered membrane lining body cavities and covering organs; includes pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium.

Mucous Membrane

Membrane lining tracts open to the exterior, such as the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Cutaneous Membrane

Common term for the skin; a dry, keratinized membrane.

Pulmonary Circuit

Blood vessels that carry blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and back to the left atrium.

Systemic Circuit

Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body and return oxygen-poor blood to the right atrium.

Pericardium

Double-layered serous membrane enclosing the heart for protection and friction reduction.

Myocardium

Thick middle layer of cardiac muscle responsible for contraction and pumping action.

Endocardium

Innermost smooth endothelial layer lining heart chambers and valves.

Atria

Two superior chambers of the heart that receive blood returning to the heart.

Ventricles

Two inferior heart chambers that eject blood into arteries.

Atrioventricular (AV) Valves

Valves between atria and ventricles preventing backflow during ventricular contraction.

Semilunar Valves

Valves at ventricular exits (pulmonary and aortic) preventing backflow into ventricles.

Aorta

Largest artery carrying oxygenated blood from left ventricle to systemic circulation.

Coronary Arteries

Vessels branching from the aorta that supply oxygenated blood to the myocardium.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

Natural pacemaker located in right atrium initiating each heartbeat.