Anatomy of the Heart and Blood Vessels

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.

Apex

The pointed lower tip of the heart, important for the heart's orientation within the thoracic cavity.

Arteries

Blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart, essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart (right and left atrium) that receive blood returning from the body and lungs.

Capillaries

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

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart (right and left ventricles) that pump blood out of the heart.

Pulmonary Circulation

The pathway of blood flow from the heart to the lungs and back, crucial for oxygenation of blood.

Systemic Circulation

The pathway of blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body and back, responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Septum

The wall that separates the right and left sides of the heart, preventing the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed, indicating the lowest pressure in the arterial system.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries during heart contraction, representing the highest pressure in the arterial system.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart, returning deoxygenated blood from the body.

Ventricul/o

Refers to the ventricle, a key chamber of the heart involved in pumping blood.

Coron/o

Pertains to the heart, often used in terms related to coronary arteries.

Pulmon/o

Relates to the lungs, significant in discussions of pulmonary circulation.

Ven/i

Refers to veins, important for understanding blood return to the heart.

Dilat/o

Indicates widening or stretching, relevant in discussions of blood vessel health.

Ather/o

Refers to fatty plaque, often associated with atherosclerosis.

-sclerosis

Indicates hardening, often used in medical conditions like arteriosclerosis.

-stenosis

Refers to narrowing, commonly seen in conditions affecting blood vessels or heart valves.

-tension

Relates to pressure, crucial in understanding blood pressure measurements.

-graphy

The process of recording, used in diagnostic imaging techniques.

Em-

Means in or within, often used in anatomical terms.

Echo-

Refers to sound, particularly in echocardiograms.

Anticoagulant

Medications that prevent blood clot formation, crucial for patients at risk of thrombosis.

Antihypertensive

Drugs that lower blood pressure, important for managing hypertension and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Vasoconstrictor

Medications that narrow blood vessels, often used in emergency situations to increase blood pressure.

Antianginal

Drugs that relieve chest pain (angina) by improving blood flow to the heart muscle.

Thrombolytic

Medications that dissolve blood clots, used in acute myocardial infarction treatment.

Diuretic

Medications that promote fluid removal via urine, often used to manage hypertension and heart failure.

Holter Monitor

A device that records continuous heart rhythm (ECG) over 24–48 hours, used to detect arrhythmias.

Echocardiogram

An ultrasound test that visualizes the heart's structure and function, essential for diagnosing various heart conditions.

Sphygmomanometer

An instrument used to measure blood pressure, providing critical information about cardiovascular health.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

A condition characterized by narrowed arteries, leading to decreased blood flow to extremities.

Aneurysm

A localized, balloon-like dilation of a blood vessel, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures.

Hypertension and Hypotension

Conditions defined by higher or lower than normal blood pressure, respectively.

Lub-Dub Sounds

The sounds produced by the heart during the cardiac cycle; 'Lub' is the sound of valves closing.

Right Ventricle Function

Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, playing a critical role in pulmonary circulation.

Left Ventricle Function

Pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body, essential for systemic circulation.

Direction of Blood Flow

Blood travels in one direction through the heart, facilitated by valves that prevent backflow.

Types of Circulation

The two main types are systemic and pulmonary, each serving distinct functions in oxygen delivery.

Heart Valves

Include the tricuspid, bicuspid (mitral), pulmonary, and aortic valves, ensuring unidirectional blood flow.