Circulatory System - Vet Anatomy

right atrium

one of the 4 heart chambers ; receives de-oxygenated blood via cranial and caudal vena cava and pumps it into right ventricle ; plays a crucial role in pulmonary circulation by allowing blood to flow to the lungs for oxygenation.

right ventricle

one of the 4 heart chambers; receives de-oxygenated blood from the right atrium and pumps it into the pulmonary arteries to be oxygenated in the lungs.

left atrium

one of the 4 heart chambers; receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins and pumps it into the left ventricle for distribution to the body.

left ventricle

one of the 4 heart chambers; receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumps it into the aorta for systemic circulation, supplying oxygen-rich blood to the body.

pericardium

sac surrounding heart that protects it

fibrous paricardium

the outer layer of the pericardium, composed of dense connective tissue, providing structural support and anchoring the heart within the mediastinum.

serous pericardium

the inner layer of the pericardium, consisting of two layers (parietal and visceral) that secrete serous fluid to reduce friction and allow smooth heart movement. Visceral contracts heartduring beats, and parietal lines the fibrous pericardium.

epicardium

the outermost layer of the heart wall, also known as the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, which directly covers the heart muscle.

myocardium

muscular layer of paracardium; the heart wall responsible for contracting and pumping blood throughout the body.

endocardium

the innermost layer of the heart wall, lining the chambers and valves, providing a smooth surface for blood flow and playing a role in protecting the heart tissue.

right atrioventicular valve

the valve situated between the right atrium and right ventricle, preventing backflow of blood during ventricular contraction. Tricupsid (dogs only have 2)

pulmonary valve

controls flow of blood to lungs to get oxygen

aortic valve

controls flow of blood as it exits the left ventricle into the aorta, preventing backflow into the heart.

sinoatrial node

the heart's natural pacemaker, responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that establish the heartbeat.

atrioventricular node

A cluster of cells located between the atria and ventricles that regulates the electrical conduction of impulses in the heart, ensuring the proper timing of heartbeats.

Lub heart sound

closure of atrioventricular valves

dub heart sound

closure of pulmonary and aortic valves