BIOL 140 - Human Anatomy - Cardiovascular System: The Heart

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts, terminology, and functions related to the human heart and the cardiovascular system as taught in BIOL 140.

Cardiovascular System

The system that circulates blood through the body, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Myocardium

The thick middle muscle layer of the heart responsible for contracting and pumping blood.

Pericardium

A fibrous sac that encloses the heart, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart where blood is collected before it is pumped to the ventricles.

Ventricles

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

Coronary Circulation

The flow of blood to and from the tissues of the heart.

Sinoatrial Node (SA Node)

The pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium that initiates heartbeat.

Atrioventricular Node (AV Node)

A cluster of cells in the heart that receives impulses from the SA Node and regulates the heartbeat.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle relaxes and fills with blood.

Pulmonary Circuit

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and back.

Systemic Circuit

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and back.

Heart Valves

Structures within the heart that open and close to regulate blood flow and prevent backflow.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events that occur during one heartbeat, including contraction and relaxation phases.

Epicardium

The outer layer of the heart wall, which is also part of the serous pericardium.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart wall, lining the heart chambers.

Great Vessels

The major arteries and veins that enter and leave the heart, including the aorta and vena cavae.

Cardiac Muscle Fibers

Muscle cells found in the heart that enable its contraction through specialized electrical signals.

Gap Junctions

Connections between cardiac muscle cells that allow for the rapid transmission of electrical impulses.

Aortic Semilunar Valve

A valve that regulates blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta.

Pulmonary Semilunar Valve

A valve that controls blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary trunk.

Tricuspid Valve

The heart valve that prevents backflow from the right ventricle to the right atrium.

Bicuspid (Mitral) Valve

The valve that prevents backflow from the left ventricle to the left atrium.