Cardiovascular Physiology Flashcards
What is the fibrous sac that encloses the heart?
The pericardium
What is the fibrous membrane closely affixed to the heart itself?
The epicardium
What fills the space between the pericardium and the epicardium, acting as a lubricant?
A watery fluid
What are the walls of the heart primarily composed of?
Cardiac muscle cells (termed the myocardium)
How is the human heart divided?
Into right and left halves, each consisting of an atrium and a ventricle.
What is the inner surface of the heart chambers and all blood vessels lined with?
A thin layer of cells known as endothelial cells (or endothelium)
What is located between the atrium and ventricle in each half of the heart?
The atrioventricular valves
What is the name of the right AV valve, and how many flaps or cusps does it have?
The tricuspid valve; it has three flaps or cusps.
What is the common name for the left AV valve, and how many flaps or cusps does it have?
The mitral valve (also called the bicuspid valve); it has two flaps or cusps.
What causes the opening and closing of the AV valves?
Passive processes resulting from pressure differences across the valves.
