Lecture Notes Review: Cardiovascular System

A comprehensive set of flashcards to aid in the review of key terms and concepts related to the cardiovascular system for upcoming exams.

Cardiovascular System

The system that comprises the heart and blood vessels; responsible for the circulation of blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body.

Chambers of the heart

Four areas in the heart, including two upper atria and two lower ventricles, where blood is received and pumped respectively.

Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles, preventing backflow of blood into the atria when the ventricles contract.

Stroke volume (SV)

The volume of blood pumped out by one ventricle with each heartbeat.

Cardiac output (CO)

The amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute, calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume.

Blood pressure (BP)

The force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels.

Systolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart muscle.

Diastolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Intrinsic conduction system

The network of specialized cells in the heart that generate and conduct electrical impulses, regulating heartbeats.

Baroreceptors

Sensors located in blood vessels that detect changes in blood pressure and help regulate it.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone mechanism

A hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance via vasoconstriction and increased blood volume.

Pulmonary circulation

The part of the cardiovascular system responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and back.

Systemic circulation

The pathway in which oxygenated blood is transported from the heart to the rest of the body and back.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs between blood and tissues.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.

Heart Sound 'Lub'

The sound created by the closure of AV valves; signifies the beginning of ventricular systole.

Heart Sound 'Dub'

The sound created by the closure of semilunar valves; signifies the end of ventricular systole.

End diastolic volume (EDV)

The total amount of blood in the ventricles just before contraction.

End systolic volume (ESV)

The amount of blood remaining in a ventricle after it has contracted.