Untitled Flashcards Set

Cardiovascular System Overview:

• Composed of the heart and an extensive network of blood vessels.

• Primary function: deliver oxygen, nutrients, and other substances to body cells and remove waste products.

• Closely linked with the lymphatic system, which relies on the heart's pumping action to circulate lymph fluid.

Heart Anatomy:

• Located in the mediastinum, between the lungs.

• Has four chambers: right atrium (RA), left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV), and left ventricle (LV).

• Heart walls consist of three layers:

  • Endocardium: Inner layer lining the heart and valves.

  • Myocardium: Middle, muscular layer responsible for pumping.

  • Pericardium: Fibrous sac that encloses the heart.

Blood Circulation Pathways:

• Two main circuits:

  • Pulmonary Circulation: Transports deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood to the left atrium.

  • Systemic Circulation: Carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body and returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.

• Key Blood Vessels:

  • Superior Vena Cava: Brings blood from the upper body to the heart.

  • Inferior Vena Cava: Carries blood from the lower body to the heart.

  • Pulmonary Arteries/Veins: Handle blood flow between the heart and lungs.

  • Aorta: Distributes oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

Conduction System of the Heart:

• SA Node (Pacemaker): Initiates the heartbeat.

• AV Node: Transmits electrical signals to the ventricles.

• Bundle of His, Bundle Branches, Purkinje Fibers: Facilitate the contraction of ventricles.

• Cardiac Cycle:

  • Systole: Contraction phase, pumps blood out of the chambers.

  • Diastole: Relaxation phase, chambers fill with blood.

Common Cardiovascular Conditions:

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats (e.g., flutter, fibrillation).

• Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in arteries, restricting blood flow.

• Arteriosclerosis: Hardening and loss of elasticity of arteries.

• Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

• Cardiomegaly: Enlarged heart due to high blood pressure or other factors.

• Aneurysm: Abnormal dilation of blood vessels, risk of rupture.

• Varicose Veins: Damaged valves cause blood to pool in veins.

Diagnostic Tools and Procedures:

• Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG): Measures electrical activity of the heart.

• Cardiac Catheterization: Used to diagnose and treat heart conditions.

Maintenance of Cardiovascular Health:

• Balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

• Early detection and treatment of cardiovascular issues to prevent complications like heart attacks and strokes.