Blood Circulation and Heart Function Overview

Deoxygenated Blood

Blood low in oxygen entering the right atrium.

Tricuspid Valve

Valve between right atrium and right ventricle.

Pulmonary Semilunar Valve

Valve between right ventricle and pulmonary arteries.

Oxygenated Blood

Blood rich in oxygen returning to the left atrium.

Mitral Valve

Valve between left atrium and left ventricle.

Aortic Semilunar Valve

Valve between left ventricle and aorta.

Pulmonary Circulation

Right heart to lungs and back to left heart.

Systemic Circulation

Left heart to body tissues and back to right heart.

Fibrous Pericardium

Tough outer layer surrounding the heart.

Serous Pericardium

Inner layer of the pericardium with two layers.

Epicardium

Outermost layer of the heart, also visceral pericardium.

Myocardium

Muscular middle layer of the heart.

Endocardium

Smooth inner lining of the heart chambers.

Syncytium

Interconnected cardiac muscle cells for coordinated contraction.

Intercalated Disks

Structures allowing rapid electrical signal transmission.

Purkinje Fibers

Fibers transmitting impulses throughout the ventricles.

Graded Contractions

Variable strength contractions influenced by hormones.

Cardiac Cycle

Events occurring from one heartbeat to the next.

P Wave

Represents atrial depolarization in ECG.

QRS Complex

Represents ventricular depolarization in ECG.

T Wave

Represents ventricular repolarization in ECG.

Cardiac Output (CO)

Volume of blood pumped by heart per minute.

End-Diastolic Volume (EDV)

Volume of blood in ventricles before contraction.

Baroreceptor Reflex

Regulates blood pressure through autonomic responses.

RAAS

System regulating blood volume and pressure via sodium retention.

ADH

Hormone increasing water reabsorption in kidneys.

Pressure Gradients

Differences driving blood flow through vessels.