Heart Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to the anatomy and physiology of the heart as discussed in the lecture notes.

Tricuspid Valve

The valve separating the right atrium and right ventricle, allowing blood to flow from the atrium to the ventricle.

Pulmonary Trunk

The vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.

Coronary Arteries

The vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle itself.

Fossa Ovalis

A remnant of a hole in the heart present during fetal development which usually closes after birth.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat where the heart muscles contract and pump blood.

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat where the heart muscles relax and allow the chambers to fill with blood.

Chordae Tendineae

Tendon-like structures that connect the heart valves to papillary muscles, preventing valve prolapse.

Mitral Valve

The valve separating the left atrium and left ventricle, allowing blood to flow from the atrium to the ventricle.

Pressure Gradient

The difference in pressure that drives blood flow from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.

Electrical Conduction System

The network of nodes and fibers in the heart that controls heart rhythm and ensures synchronized contraction of the heart.