Principles of Human Physiology: Cardiovascular System - Cardiac Function

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the cardiac cycle, including phases of heart function, volume dynamics, and heart sounds.

Cardiac Cycle

All events associated with the heart during a single complete heartbeat.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle contracts.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle relaxes.

Atrioventricular (AV) Valves

Valves that open and close to regulate blood flow between the atria and ventricles.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The volume of blood ejected from a ventricle during each heartbeat.

End-Diastolic Volume (EDV)

The total volume of blood in the ventricle at the end of filling (diastole).

End-Systolic Volume (ESV)

The volume of blood remaining in a ventricle after ejection (systole).

Ejection Fraction (EF)

The fraction of EDV that is ejected during a heartbeat, calculated as SV/EDV.

Isovolumetric Contraction

The phase of the cardiac cycle where the ventricles contract without changing volume.

Heart Sounds

Audible vibrations produced by the closure of heart valves during the cardiac cycle.

Aortic Pressure

The pressure in the aorta, which varies during different phases of the cardiac cycle.

Compliance

The ability of a vessel or chamber to expand with increasing pressure.