The Cardiovascular System: Heart, Blood Vessels, and Circulation

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the anatomy, physiology, and clinical conditions of the cardiovascular system based on Chapter 11 notes.

Apex

The pointed end of the heart positioned on the diaphragm near the midline.

Mediastinum

The anatomical region between the lungs where the heart is located.

Myocardial ischemia

A condition in which blood flow in coronary arteries is partially blocked, depriving tissues of oxygen.

Myocardial infarction

A condition caused by the complete blockage of blood flow in coronary arteries, potentially leading to tissue death.

Coronary Circulation

The specific set of arteries and veins that supply the heart muscle itself.

Myocardium

Cardiac muscle tissue that is branched for strength and contains cells electrically connected by intercalated discs.

Intercalated discs

Structures that electrically connect all cells within the myocardium.

Autorhythmic cells

The $1\%$ of heart cells, also called pacemakers, that spontaneously generate action potentials in a rhythmic pattern.

Bradycardia

A type of arrhythmia characterized by a heart rate of less than $60\,b/m$.

Tachycardia

A type of arrhythmia characterized by a heart rate greater than $120\,beats/min$.

Heart block

An arrhythmia caused by a disconnect between the atria and the ventricles.

Fibrillation

An arrhythmia involving asynchronous contractions, often treated using a defibrillator (AED).

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle associated with rest or relaxation, during which chambers fill with blood.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle associated with contraction, during which blood is ejected from the chambers.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood ejected from the ventricle per minute, calculated as $CO (mL/min) = SV (mL/beat) \times HR (beats/min)$.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The volume of blood ejected from the ventricle during a single heart beat.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, which decreases pressure and increases flow.

Normal Blood Pressure

A standard measurement usually recorded as $\frac{120\,mmHg}{80\,mmHg}$, representing systolic over diastolic pressure.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

A calculated pressure value derived using the formula $MAP = \frac{SP + 2(DP)}{3}$.

Baroreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect changes in blood pressure.

Proprioceptors

Sensory structures located in limbs and joints that sense body movements to help regulate blood pressure.