Cardiovascular System – HPU1202

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and terms related to the cardiovascular system and its physiology.

Diastole

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

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle contracts to pump blood out of the chambers.

End-Systolic Volume

The volume of blood remaining in a ventricle after contraction.

End-Diastolic Volume

The volume of blood in a ventricle at the end of filling, just before contraction.

Stroke Volume

The amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat.

Preload

The degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole.

Afterload

The resistance that the left ventricle must overcome to circulate blood.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to changes in the chemical composition of the blood.

Baroreceptors

Sensors located in blood vessel walls that detect changes in blood pressure.

Cardiomyocytes

Cardiac muscle cells responsible for heart contractions.

Pacemaker

A group of cells in the heart that initiates the electrical signals for heartbeats.

Atrioventricular Node (AV Node)

A part of the conduction system of the heart that relays impulses from the atria to the ventricles.

Purkinje Fibers

Fibers that conduct the electrical signal throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract.

Ejection Fraction

The percentage of the end-diastolic volume that is ejected from the ventricle.

Angiotensin II

A hormone that increases blood pressure by causing blood vessels to constrict.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)

A hormone that promotes sodium excretion and reduces blood pressure.

Elderly Cardiovascular Changes

Age-related changes in the cardiovascular system leading to reduced function and increased disease risk.

Lymphatic System

A network of tissues and organs that helps rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials.

What are the 4 cardiac cells?

Cardiomyocytes

Fibroblasts

Endothelial cells

Conducting cells

How do you calculate the stroke