Heart Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the heart based on the provided lecture notes.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity where the heart is located, extending from the sternum to the vertebral column.

Base of the Heart

The top portion of the heart where blood vessels enter and exit, tilted upward and medially.

Apex of the Heart

The pointed lower tip of the heart that projects inferiorly and laterally.

Pericardium

The membrane that surrounds and protects the heart, allowing for some freedom of movement.

Serous Pericardium

The inner layer of the pericardium that consists of parietal and visceral layers.

Epicardium

The thin outer layer of the heart wall, also known as the visceral layer of the serous pericardium.

Myocardium

The thick, muscular middle layer of the heart, composed of cardiac muscle.

Endocardium

The inner lining of the heart chambers, composed of simple squamous epithelium.

Atria

The upper two chambers of the heart, consisting of the right atrium and left atrium.

Ventricles

The lower two chambers of the heart, consisting of the right ventricle and left ventricle.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

The natural pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium, responsible for initiating the heartbeat.

Autorhythmicity

The ability of cardiac muscle to generate its own rhythm independently of the central nervous system.

Atrioventricular (AV) Valve

Valves positioned between the atria and ventricles, allowing blood flow from atria to ventricles.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events that occurs during one heartbeat, including diastole and systole phases.

Stroke Volume

The volume of blood ejected from the heart with each contraction.

End Diastolic Volume (EDV)

The total amount of blood that fills the heart after the diastole phase.

End Systolic Volume (ESV)

The amount of blood remaining in the heart after contraction (systole).

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that increases heart rate and muscle contraction strength.

Cardiac Output

The total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated by heart rate multiplied by stroke volume.