The Cardiovascular System: Cardiac Function

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Cardiovascular System lecture, focusing on anatomy, function, and blood flow.

Cardiovascular System

The system comprising the heart, blood vessels, and blood that transports substances throughout the body.

Heart Chambers

Structures within the heart including the atria and ventricles that facilitate blood flow.

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles that prevent the backflow of blood.

Pulmonary Circuit

The pathway where deoxygenated blood flows from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.

Myocardium

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

Capillaries

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

Pericardium

The double-walled sac that surrounds the heart, consisting of the epicardium and parietal pericardium.

Semilunar Valves

Valves located between the ventricles and the great arteries, allowing blood to flow from the heart into the arteries.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Portal Circulation

Circulatory system pathways that involve two capillary beds, such as those in the liver and intestines.