Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the anatomy and physiology of the heart.

Thoracic Cavity

The part of the body located between the neck and the abdomen, encased by the bony boundaries of the sternum, ribs, and vertebrae.

Mediastinum

The space between the right and left lung that contains the heart and great vessels.

Epicardium

The thin outer layer of the heart wall, composed of connective tissue.

Myocardium

The thick middle layer of the heart wall, made up of cardiac muscle tissue.

Endocardium

The thin inner layer of the heart wall, consisting of endothelial tissue.

Pericardium

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

Atrioventricular valves

Valves that separate the atria from the ventricles of the heart.

Semilunar valves

Valves that separate the ventricles from the arteries that emerge from them.

Coronary Circulation

The network of blood vessels that supplies blood to the heart muscle.

Systemic Circulation

The pathway through which oxygenated blood is carried from the heart to most of the body and deoxygenated blood returns to the heart.

Pulmonary Circulation

The pathway through which deoxygenated blood is transported from the heart to the lungs and oxygenated blood returns to the heart.

SA Node (Sinoatrial Node)

The natural pacemaker of the heart, located in the right atrium, responsible for initiating the heartbeat.

Cardiac Cycle

All of the events that occur during one heartbeat, including contraction and relaxation of the atria and ventricles.