Module 05: Cardiac Physiology

These flashcards cover important terminology and definitions related to cardiac physiology, focusing on the heart's structure, function, and regulation.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood that is pumped by each ventricle over a minute of time.

Ejection Fraction

The amount of blood that is pumped out of the ventricles relative to the amount of blood that was in the ventricle before contraction.

Pacemaker Cells

Specialized cells in the sinoatrial node that generate action potentials to control heart rate.

Coronary Circulation

The flow of blood to and from the tissues of the heart.

Cardiac Cycle

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

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles that ensure unidirectional blood flow.

Frank-Starling Law of the Heart

The relationship between end-diastolic volume and stroke volume, stating that increasing EDV increases SV.

End-Diastolic Volume (EDV)

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

Tachycardia

A condition where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute.

Intercalated Discs

Specialized structures in cardiac muscle cells that facilitate communication and coordination of contractions.

Ventricular Fibrillation

A life-threatening heart rhythm that results in quivering of the ventricles instead of effective contraction.

Cardiac Autorhythmic Cells

Cells that can generate action potentials independently, allowing the heart to beat without neural input.