Basic Cardiac Physiology

Question 1

Structure of the Heart

Answer 1

4 chambers = left and right atria and ventricle
Myocardium muscle = electrically stimulated intrinsically (SA node) and extrinsically (ANS)
Coronary arteries = supply the heart with blood; typically what gets blocked causing a heart attack.

Question 2

Coronary Arteries

Answer 2

Supply the myocardium with oxygen and nutrients.

Question 3

Right coronary artery

Answer 3

Splits into posterior descending artery and right marginal artery.
Feeds the right atrium and right ventricle

Question 4

Left coronary artery

Answer 4

Most complications regarding blocked arteries and heart attacks.
Left circumflex and left anterior descending artery.

Question 5

Left circumflex artery

Answer 5

Feeds the left atrium and posterior left ventricle

Question 6

Left anterior descending artery

Answer 6

Feeds the left ventricle and anterior septum

Question 7

Heart Valves

Answer 7

Semilunar valves
Atrioventricular valves
Valve issues can lead to other conditions such as chronic heart failure because it is not working as it should be.

Question 8

Semilunar Valves

Answer 8

Pulmonary valves (RV to pulmonary arteries).
Aortic valve (LV to aorta)

Question 9

Atrioventricular Valves

Answer 9

Tricuspid valve (RA to RV)
Mitral valve (LA to LV)

Question 10

Normal Conduction of the Heart

Answer 10

Sinoatrial node
AV node
Bundle of His
Bundle of branches
Purkinje fibers

Question 11

Cardiac Cycle

Answer 11

Considered to be one full cycle or heart beat of the heart.
-involved in both the pressure/mechanical and electrical (ECG reading) events of the heart.
Involved in stress tests
-can see if valve issues, pressure issues, previous heart attacks, levels of HR starting to trigger issues, etc.