Anatomy of the CV system 1 Flashcards
What is the primary function of the heart?
Pump
What is the primary function of the arteries?
Distribute blood from the heart
What is the primary function of the veins?
Collect and return blood to the heart
What is the primary function of the lymphatics?
Drain excess extracellular fluid from tissues
Where is the heart located?
Middle mediastinum
Where are the blood vessels located?
Everywhere but cartilage
Where is the lymphatic system located?
Everywhere but the brain and the eye
What are the 2 main circulations?
- Pulmonary
- Systemic
Where is the pulmonary circulation located?
Heart- lungs- heart
Where is the systemic circulation located?
Heart- body- heart
What 2 other systems are involved inn the transport of materials?
- Hepatic portal circulation
- Lymphatic system
What forms the base of the heart posteriorly?
Left ventricle
What is embedded in the fat found on the heart?
Blood vessels
What do blocked coronary arteries cause?
Myocardial infarctions
What are the veins embedded in the fat called?
Cardiac veins
What are the arteries embedded in the fat called?
Coronary arteries
What is the coronary sinus?
A venous channel
Mediastinum
Area of thoracic cavity between pleural sacs
What does the superior mediastinum lie above?
Sternomanubrial joint
Where is the inferior mediastinum found?
- Starts at T4
- Goes down to the diaphragm
What are the 3 divisions of the inferior mediastinum?
- Anterior
- Middle
- Posterior
What gland is present in children but absent in adults?
Thymus
On CXRs what is the aortic knuckle?
Aortic arch
What is the surface anatomy of the apex of the heart?
5th left intercostal space in the midclavicular line
How does breathing affect the position of the apex of the heart?
It moves it up and down
Why does the position of the heart change depending on whether you are standing up or lying down?
Gravity
How does the position of the heart in a child compare to that of the adult?
It is higher and more horizontal
What lies anterior to the heart?
- Sternum and costal cartilages 4-7
- Thymic remnants
- Lungs and pleurae
What lies posterior to the heart?
- Oesophagus
- Descending aorta
- Thoracic vertebrae 5-8
What lies lateral to the heart?
- Lungs
- Phrenic nerves
What lies inferior to the lungs?
Central tendon of the diaphragm
What is the vertebral level of the sternal angle?
T4
What nerve supplies the pericardium?
Phrenic nerve
What are the 3 layers of the heart wall?
- Endocardium
- Myocardium
- Epicardium