cardiovascular physiology Flashcards
What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?
To transport blood around the body, delivering oxygen, hormones, waste products, nutrients, heat, and immune cells.
What are the three layers of the heart wall?
- Epicardium
- Myocardium
- Endocardium
What is the myocardium?
The thickest layer of the heart wall that offers contractile ability.
How many chambers does the heart have?
Four chambers.
What are the two circulations served by the heart?
- Systemic circulation
- Pulmonary circulation
What is the cardiac cycle?
The phase of the heart contracting, relaxing, and filling with blood.
What does systole refer to?
The contraction phase of the cardiac cycle.
What does diastole refer to?
The relaxation and refilling phase of the heart.
What are the roles of the valves in the heart?
To enforce a one-way system ensuring blood travels in one direction.
What are the pacemakers of the heart?
- SA node
- AV node
What is depolarisation in the context of the heart?
The process that leads to the generation and movement of action potentials in cardiomyocytes.
What is repolarisation?
The relaxation and resetting of cardiomyocytes.
What does the P wave represent in an ECG?
Atrial depolarisation.
What does the QRS complex indicate?
Ventricular depolarisation.
What is the T wave in an ECG?
Repolarisation of the ventricles.
What are the three main types of blood vessels?
- Arteries
- Veins
- Capillaries
What is the primary function of arteries?
To distribute oxygenated blood to cells under high pressure.
What is the function of veins?
To return deoxygenated blood back to the heart under low pressure.
What role do capillaries play in the body?
They are exchange vessels where the exchange of nutrients and waste occurs.
What is the main component of blood?
Plasma.
What is hematocrit?
The proportion of red blood cells in blood.
How is cardiac output calculated?
Cardiac output = heart rate x stroke volume (L/min).
What regulates cardiac output at rest?
Intrinsic regulation.
What two types of receptors monitor blood pressure and chemical content?
- Baroreceptors
- Chemoreceptors
