Cardiovascular System Test Review

Inferior vena cava

A large vein that brings deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart.

Superior vena cava

A large vein that brings deoxygenated blood from the upper body back to the heart.

Pulmonary artery (why it's different)

Carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. It's different because arteries usually carry oxygenated blood, but this one does not.

Coronary artery

The artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself.

Pulmonary vein

Carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. It's different because veins usually carry deoxygenated blood, but this one does not.

Left atrium / Right atrium

Upper chambers of the heart.

Right atrium

Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.

Left atrium

Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.

Endocardium

The inner lining of the heart.

Myocardium

The thick heart muscle that pumps blood.

Pericardium

A protective membrane around the heart.

Aortic valve

Valve that controls blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body; carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

Bicuspid valve (location)

Also called the mitral valve; located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Pulmonary semilunar valve

Valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.

Tricuspid valve (location)

Valve between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Septum

The wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart.

Systole

The phase when the heart contracts and pumps blood out.

Diastole

The phase when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Pacemaker (other name & location)

Also called the SA node (sinoatrial node). Located in the right atrium. It sets the heart's rhythm.

Myocarditis

Inflammation of the heart muscle.

Congenital heart disease

Heart problems a person is born with.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel.

Tachycardia

An abnormally fast heart rate.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate.

Myocardial infarction

A heart attack; when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Left ventricle

The strongest chamber; pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body.

Which way do arteries and veins carry blood, and what do red and blue mean?

Arteries: carry blood away from the heart. Veins: carry blood toward the heart. Red: oxygen-rich blood. Blue: oxygen-poor blood.