Cardiovascular System Flashcards
Cardiovascular System Functions
transportation, immunity & protection, regulation
Mediastinum
a mass of organs and tissues that separates the lungs
The Pericardium
a two-layered CT membrane that surrounds and protects the heart
two layers of CT
fibrous pericardium
serous pericardium
Fibrous Pericardium
most superficial, attaches to the diaphragm inferiorly
Serous Pericardium
thinner, deep to the fibrous, forms a double layer around the heart
Pericardial Cavity
the space between the parietal and visceral layers of the pericardium, filled with pericardial fluid (a thin layer of fluid to reduce friction)
The Heart Wall
• 3 layers
epicardium
myocardium
endocardium
myocardium
cardiac muscle tissue
epicardium
a.k.a. visceral layer of the serous pericardium, gives the outer surface a smooth, slippery texture
cardiac output
heart rate
Preload
the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts
Contractility
the strength of contraction at any given preload
Afterload
ejection of blood from the heart, when the pressure is greater in the ventricles than in the vessels, the semilunar valves open
