Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Systems

Flashcards related to cardiac and peripheral vascular systems, covering anatomy, physiology, and assessment. Vocabulary flashcard style.

Precordium

The area in the chest where the heart and major blood vessels like the aorta are located.

Apices

The top of the lungs, forming a cute little point.

Base (of lungs)

The bottom of the lungs.

Base (of the heart)

The top of the heart (larger area).

Apex(of the heart)

The bottom of the heart (triangular point).

Pericardium

The outermost layer of the heart, a fibrous sac that contains the heart.

Myocardium

The middle layer of the heart, consisting of the muscular tissue responsible for the heart's contractions.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart, which comes in direct contact with blood products.

Tricuspid valve

Valve between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Atrioventricular valves (AV valves)

Valves that include the tricuspid and mitral valves.

Pulmonary valve

Controls blood flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery.

Mitral valve

Valve located between the left atrium and the left ventricle.

Aortic valve

Valve that directs oxygenated blood from the left ventricle into the aorta.

Systole

The contraction phase of the cardiac cycle, moving blood forward.

Diastole

The relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle, allowing passive filling from the atrium into the ventricles.

S1

Heart sound produced by the closing of the AV valves (tricuspid and mitral).

S2

Heart sound produced by the closing of the semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonic).

Axillary nodes

Located in the armpit area and drains the chest and upper arm.

Epitrochlear nodes

Located near the elbow and drains the lower arm and hand.

Inguinal nodes

Located in the groin and drains most of the leg and the genitals.

Popliteal node

Located behind the knee and drains the lower half of the leg.

Claudication

Pain in the legs specifically with walking, caused by constricted blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the muscles.

Bruit

A blowing, whooshing sound due to turbulent blood flow, often associated with plaques in the carotid arteries.

Jugular Vein Distension (JVD)

Bulging of the jugular veins due to increased venous pressure, often indicating heart failure. Assessed with the patient at 30-45 degrees.

Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI)

The point where the left ventricle taps the chest wall, usually felt at the fifth intercostal space on the left midclavicular line. Also known as the Apical Impulse.

Lift or Heave

An abnormal pulsation or exaggerated movement of the rib cage. Indicates the heart is working too hard.

Thrill

A vibration felt on the chest wall caused by turbulent blood flow.

Doppler

A tool used to find pulses that may be difficult to feel.

Modified Allen's Test

A test to assess the patency of the ulnar artery by compressing both the radial and ulnar arteries, releasing the ulnar artery and observing the color return to the hand.

Pulse Deficit

The difference between the apical and radial pulse rates, indicating a discrepancy in pulse transmission. Apical Pulse - Radial Pulse

Edema

Swelling due to excess fluid in the interstitial space.

Ejection Fraction

The percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction.