Intro to the Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the introductory chapters on the cardiovascular system, focusing on heart anatomy, physiology, blood flow, and cardiac conduction.

Visceral Pleura

The thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs.

Epicardium

Also known as visceral pericardium, it is the outer layer of the heart containing blood vessels.

Myocardium

The muscular layer of the heart responsible for pumping blood.

Endocardium

The inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the body.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out to the lungs and body.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscles contract.

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscles relax.

Tricuspid Valve

The valve between the right atrium and right ventricle preventing backflow of blood.

Pulmonary Valve

The valve that regulates blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.

Bicuspid Valve

Also known as the mitral valve, it is between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Chordae Tendineae

Tendinous cords that anchor the heart valves to the heart muscle.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events in one heartbeat, including contraction and relaxation phases.

Autorhythmicity

The ability of the heart to generate its own rhythm without neural input.

Sinoatrial Node (SA Node)

The natural pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium.

Atrioventricular Node (AV Node)

A node located between the atria and ventricles that helps regulate heart rhythm.

Pacemaker

Cells or structures in the heart that create electrical impulses to initiate contractions.

Functional Syncytium

A network of interconnected muscle cells that behave as a single unit.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Striated muscle tissue that makes up the heart, characterized by involuntary control.

Coronary Sinus

A large vein that collects blood from the heart muscle and drains into the right atrium.