Cardiovascular Function Flashcards
What is the order of the vessels and valves through which blood travels?
Beginning on the right hand side, the vena cava, through the right atrium, tricuspid valve, and into the right ventricle, the semilunar valve, and passing through the pulmonary system, where the blood is oxygenated.
Now returning from the lungs, blood passes through the pulmonary vein, the left atrium, bicuspid valve, into the left ventricle, the semilunar valve, and finally the aorta :)
Where is the muscular heart wall most prominent?
On the left.
Which wall separates the left from the right of the heart, thus preventing blood from mixing?
The septum.
Which arteries supply the heart with blood?
The coronary arteries; despite its role, the heart remains a muscle, and thus retains the need for its own nutrients.
What does CVD stand for?
CardioVascular Disease.
What causes a heart attack?
Restriction or blockage in a coronary artery, resulting in the loss of blood supply to a certain area of the heart, rendering it unable to respire.
What is the difference between a major heart attack and a minor heart attack?
The location of the plaque build up: if it blocks a minor artery, its effect will be insignificant, but a larger one would be grave to the function of the organ.
What is atherosclerosis?
A disease of the arteries characterised by the the deposition of fatty materials on their inner walls.
What are the main treatments for CVD?
Statins, angioplasty (surgery), and potentially lifestyle change.
What are the advantages of statins?
- Non invasive surgery.
- Easily usable.
- Preventative.
What are the disadvantages of statins?
Can cause other conditions (muscle weakness, diabetes, and liver damage), alongside ultimate insufficiently in severe circumstances.
What are the advantages of an angioplasty?
- A definitive outcome.
- Swift cure.
What are the disadvantages of an angioplasty?
- Very dangerous.
- Invasive.
- Costly.
What is the general pressure of the atrium?
Low pressure, not rising with the beat of the heart.
What is the general cycle of pressure in relation to the ventricle?
Pressure in the ventricle soars to high during beats, matching the aorta.
