Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System 1-2 Flashcards
Where in the thorax is the heart located ?
The mediastinum
Name structures found in the anterior mediastinum ?
The thymus gland, which is only found in children up until the age of 12/13.
What bone creates the anterior wall of the mediastinum ?
The sternum
Name structures found in the posterior mediastinum
Aorta, oesophagus, vertebral column
with regards to surface anatomy, where can the apex beat be palpated ?
The 5th intercostal space mid-clavicular line
What chamber of the heart lies at the apex of the heart ?
The left ventricle
What chamber of the heart is most anterior ?
Right Ventricle
What chamber of the heart is the most posterior ?
Left Atrium
What chamber can be found at the right border of the heart ?
The right Atrium
What structure lies directly posterior to the left atrium ?
The oesophagus
What main vessel do the coronary arteries come off ?
Aorta
When lying down between what vertebral levels can the heart be found ?
T5-T8
What is the name of the innermost layer of heart tissue and what is it composed of ?
Endocardium
simple squamous epithelium on a basement membrane and connective tissues
where does the mitral valve lie ?
It lies between the left atrium & left ventricle
Where does the tricuspid valve lie ?
Lies between the right atrium & right ventrcile
What is the name of the pulmonary valve & how many cusps does it have ?
Semi-lunar & 3 cusps
What is the name of the aortic valve & how many cusps does it have ?
Semi-lunar valve & usually 3 cusps/leaflets however a small proportion of the population has only 2 leaflets
What are the three layers of blood vessels ?
Tunica intima
Tunica media
Tunica adventitia
What type of epithelium can be found in the Tunica intima ?
Simple squamous epithelium
What type of tissue can be found within the Tunica Media ?
Smooth muscle
What is often found in the Tunica media & Tunica adventitia of elastic arteries ?
An internal elastic lamina (blue elastic fibres)
What is the presentation of the media & adventitia in arteries ?
Thick media & thin adventitia
What is the presentation of the media & adventitia in veins ?
Thin media & thick adventitia
What are the three types of arteries ?
Elastic
Muscular
Arterioles
What are the walls of capillaries comprised of ?
they are single cell vessels (simple squamous)
What are the three types of capillary ?
Continuous
Fenestrated
Discontinuous
What are the properties of a continuous capilary ?
They are able to regulate what passes through them, they are often found in the blood brain barrier and areas of tight regulation such as muscle.
Where are fenestrated capillaries found ?
The kidney & endocrine glands
Where are discontinuous capillaries found ?
The liver, spleen & bone marrow
