Cardiovascular Anatomy Flashcards
What are the three layers of the heart?
The three layers are:
1) Pericardium: The pericardium is the outer layer that anchors the heart to surrounding structures and contains fluid to reduce friction.
- Two layers; Serous and Fibrous
2) Myocardium: The myocardium is the middle muscular layer responsible for the heart’s contractility.
- Myocytes / Conductive Cells
3) Endocardium: The endocardium forms the inner lining of the heart and is continuous with the heart valves.
Where is the apex and base of the heart located?
Apex: Is located at the level of the 5th intercostal space, along the left midclavicular line.
Base: Superior portion of heart
- Below the second rib in the second intercostal space
What are the 3 major properties:
myocardial cells?
- Automaticity: ability to contract in the absence of a stimuli
- Rhythmicity: ability to contract in a rhythmic manner
- Conductivity: ability to transmit nerve impulses
What is pericarditis?
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, which can lead to a build-up of fluid in the pericardial cavity.
What is myocarditis?
Myocarditis is the inflammation and weakening of the myocardium, which can lead to heart failure.
What is endocarditis?
Endocarditis is the inflammation of the endothelium lining the heart and cardiac valves, often caused by bacterial infection.
What is cardiac tamponade?
Cardiac tamponade is a condition where fluid in the pericardium creates pressure on the heart, preventing it from filling properly.
What is the function of the aorta?
The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
What are the..
- pulmonary arteries?
- pulmonary veins?
- The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
- The pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
What is the vena cava?
The vena cava (superior and inferior) are large veins that carry deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium.
What is the function of the coronary arteries?
The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself.
What is aortic stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic valve, which can restrict blood flow from the heart.
What is the function of the venous valves?
Venous valves prevent the backflow of blood in the veins, ensuring one-way flow towards the heart.
What is an atrial septal defect (ASD)?
Atrial septal defect (ASD): ASD is a hole in the septum between the right and left atrium, which can allow blood to bypass the lungs.
What is a ventricular septal defect (VSD)?
Ventricular septal defect (VSD): VSD is a hole in the septum between the right and left ventricles, which can lead to excess blood flow to the lungs.
What is Tetralogy of Fallot?
Tetralogy of Fallot: A combination of four heart defects: VSD, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta.
What is coarctation of the aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta: Narrowing of the aorta, which can cause high blood pressure in the upper body and low blood pressure in the lower body.
What is patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): PDA is a condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, leading to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery.
What is mitral valve prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse is a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium.
What is heart valve regurgitation?
Heart valve regurgitation occurs when a valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward in the heart.
What is heart valve stenosis?
Heart valve stenosis is the narrowing of a heart valve, restricting blood flow through the valve.
What is the function of the sinoatrial (SA) node and atrioventricular (AV) nodes?
- The SA node is the natural pacemaker of the heart, located in the right atrium.
- The AV node receives impulses from the SA node and delays them slightly before passing them to the ventricles.
What is the Bundle of His?
The Bundle of His carries electrical impulses from the AV node down to the ventricles.
What are Purkinje fibers?
Purkinje fibers are specialized conductive fibers that distribute the electrical impulse throughout the ventricles.
What does the P-wave on an ECG represent?
The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, the electrical activity that triggers atrial contraction.
What does the QRS complex on an ECG represent?
The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, the electrical activity that triggers ventricular contraction.
What is the T-wave on an ECG?
The T-wave represents ventricular repolarization, the recovery phase of the ventricles after contraction.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rate that occurs when the atria beat out of coordination with the ventricles.
What is ventricular tachycardia?
Ventricular tachycardia is a fast, irregular heart rate that originates from abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles.
What is an ECG?
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system in heart function?
The autonomic nervous system controls the heart rate and force of contraction through sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways.
What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system in the heart?
The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate and contractility during stress or physical activity.
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system in the heart?
The parasympathetic nervous system slows down the heart rate and reduces contractility during rest.
What is the role of catecholamines in heart function?
Catecholamines, such as adrenaline, increase heart rate and contractility in response to stress.
What is cardiac output?
Cardiac output is the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume.
What is stroke volume?
Stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle with each heartbeat.
What is ejection fraction?
Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood that is ejected from the left ventricle with each heartbeat.
- Ejection Fraction = (SV/EDV) x 100
What is preload?
Preload is the amount of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole, just before contraction.
What is afterload?
Afterload is the resistance the heart must overcome to eject blood during systole.
What is Frank-Starling law?
The Frank-Starling law states that the strength of the heart’s contraction is directly related to the initial length of the cardiac muscle fibers (preload).
Annuloplasty vs. Valvuloplasty = ?
- Annuloplasty: fix the ring around the damaged valve.
- Valvuloplasty: balloon to improve flow between valves.
Coronary Artery Anatomy
- Outer Layer = ?
- Middle Layer = ?
- Inner Layer = ?
I) Outer Layer = Adventitia
- Support structure and involved with repair when damage occurs
II) Middle Layer = Tunica Media
- Adjustments to diameter (dilation/constriction)
III) Inner Layer = Tunica Intima
- Direct contact with blood
