Cardiovascular Short Answer

Epicardium

The outermost layer of the heart wall, which is a thin layer of connective tissue and fat.

Myocardium

The middle and thickest layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle tissue responsible for heart contractions.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart wall, which lines the heart chambers and valves.

Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles of the heart, including the tricuspid and mitral valves.

Semilunar valves

Valves located at the exits of the heart, including the aortic and pulmonary valves, preventing backflow into the ventricles.

Trabeculae carneae

Muscular ridges found on the inner surface of the ventricles, contributing to the contraction of the heart.

Moderator band

A muscular band of heart tissue that carries the electrical impulse to the right ventricle, aiding in coordinated contraction.

Cardiac cycle

The sequence of events in one complete heartbeat, including contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) of the heart.

Systole

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

Diastole

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

Isovolumetric ventricular contraction

The phase of the cardiac cycle where the ventricles contract with no change in volume, as the valves are closed.

Ejection

The phase of the cardiac cycle when blood is expelled from the ventricles into the arteries.

Isovolumetric ventricular relaxation

The phase of the cardiac cycle where the ventricles relax with no change in volume, as the valves are closed.

End diastolic volume (EDV)

The total volume of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole, just before contraction.

End Systolic volume (ESV)

The total volume of blood remaining in the ventricles at the end of systole, after contraction.

Stroke volume (SV)

The amount of blood ejected by the ventricles in one contraction.

Cardiac output (CO)

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as stroke volume multiplied by heart rate.

Preload

The degree of stretch of the heart muscle before contraction, influenced by the volume of blood returning to the heart.

Afterload

The resistance the heart must overcome to eject blood during systole.

S1

The first heart sound, associated with the closure of the atrioventricular valves at the beginning of systole.

S2

The second heart sound, associated with the closure of the semilunar valves at the end of systole.

S3

An additional heart sound that may indicate heart failure or volume overload, occurring after S2.

S4

An additional heart sound that may indicate a stiff or hypertrophied ventricle, occurring before S1.

Supine

A position where a person lies flat on their back.

Prone

A position where a person lies flat on their stomach.

Blood pressure

The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Systolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart (systole).

Diastolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries during the relaxation of the heart (diastole).

Pulse pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure, indicating the force that the heart generates with each contraction.

Mean arterial pressure (MAP)

The average pressure in a person's arteries during one cardiac cycle, calculated as (DBP + 1/3(SBP - DBP)).

Sphygmomanometer

An instrument used to measure blood pressure, typically consisting of an inflatable cuff and a pressure gauge.

Pulse

The rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery as blood is pumped through it by the heart.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure and increases blood flow.

Common carotid pulse point

Located on either side of the neck, where the common carotid artery can be palpated.

Brachial pulse point

Located in the inner elbow, where the brachial artery can be palpated.

Radial pulse point

Located on the wrist, where the radial artery can be palpated.

Femoral pulse point

Located in the groin area, where the femoral artery can be palpated.

Popliteal pulse point

Located behind the knee, where the popliteal artery can be palpated.

Posterior tibial pulse point

Located behind the ankle, where the posterior tibial artery can be palpated.

Dorsalis pedis pulse point

Located on the top of the foot, where the dorsalis pedis artery can be palpated.

Apical pulse point (PMI)

Located at the apex of the heart, typically at the fifth intercostal space, where the heartbeat can be auscultated.

Pressure point for arterial bleeding - Brachial artery

A point on the arm where pressure can be applied to stop bleeding from the brachial artery.

Pressure point for arterial bleeding - Femoral artery

A point in the groin where pressure can be applied to stop bleeding from the femoral artery.

Pressure point for arterial bleeding - Radial artery

A point on the wrist where pressure can be applied to stop bleeding from the radial artery.

Pressure point for arterial bleeding - Carotid artery

A point on the neck where pressure can be applied to stop bleeding from the carotid artery.

Pressure point for arterial bleeding - Facial artery

A point on the face where pressure can be applied to stop bleeding from the facial artery.

Pressure point for arterial bleeding - Subclavian artery

A point below the collarbone where pressure can be applied to stop bleeding from the subclavian artery.