Cardiovascular Physiology: Cardiac Cycle

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to cardiovascular physiology and the cardiac cycle for review and exam preparation.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, equal in the left and right ventricles during normal function.

Fick Principle

A method used to calculate cardiac output based on oxygen consumption and differences in oxygen content between pulmonary veins and arteries.

Preload

The degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole, related to the volume of blood filling the ventricles.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The amount of blood pumped by the ventricles during one contraction. SV = EDV - ESV.

Afterload

The resistance the ventricles must overcome to eject blood during systole.

Frank-Starling Relationship

Describes how the stroke volume of the heart increases in response to an increase in the volume of blood filling the heart (preload).

Total Peripheral Resistance (TPR)

The total resistance to blood flow across the cardiovascular system, primarily affected by arteriolar resistance.

Isovolumetric Contraction

A phase of the cardiac cycle during which the ventricles contract without a change in volume, resulting in an increase in pressure.

Isovolumetric Relaxation

A phase of the cardiac cycle during which the ventricles relax without a change in volume, and pressure decreases.

End-Diastolic Volume (EDV)

The volume of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole, just before contraction.

Ejection Fraction (EF)

The fraction of end-diastolic volume that is ejected with each contraction, expressed as a percentage.

Mean Systemic Pressure (MSP)

The average pressure in the systemic circulation, which influences blood flow to organs.