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Cardiovascular System Flashcards

1
Q

What are the functions of the heart and circulatory system?

A
  • Delivery of oxygen and nutrients
  • Removal of waste products i.e. carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes
  • Transport hormones from endocrine glands to target receptors
  • Maintenance of body temperature and pH

These functions are essential for homeostasis and overall health.

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2
Q

Fill in the blank: The circulatory system is responsible for the delivery of _______ and nutrients.

A

oxygen

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3
Q

True or False: The circulatory system removes only carbon dioxide as a waste product.

A

False

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4
Q

What hormones does the circulatory system transport?

A

Hormones from endocrine glands to target receptors

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5
Q

Fill in the blank: One function of the circulatory system is the maintenance of body temperature and _______.

A

pH

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6
Q

What is the human heart?

A

A hollow, muscular organ located in the middle of the chest

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7
Q

What is the approximate size of the human heart?

A

About the size of a clenched fist

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8
Q

What is the weight range of the human heart?

A

280-340g (10-12oz)

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9
Q

How many times does the human heart beat each minute?

A

About 72 times

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10
Q

How much blood does the human heart pump throughout the body each minute?

A

5 litres

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11
Q

Fill in the blank: The human heart is located in the ______.

A

middle of the chest

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12
Q

True or False: The human heart weighs less than 280 grams.

A

False

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13
Q

What are the four chambers of the heart?

A

2 ATRIA and 2 VENTRICLES

The atria receive blood, while the ventricles send blood out.

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14
Q

What is the function of the atria in the heart?

A

Receive blood

Atria are smaller as they only need to pump blood into the ventricles.

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15
Q

What is the function of the ventricles in the heart?

A

Send out blood

Ventricles have thicker walls to pump blood to the lungs or the rest of the body.

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16
Q

Which chamber of the heart is responsible for pumping blood into the lungs?

A

Right ventricle

The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation.

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17
Q

Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body?

A

Left ventricle

The left ventricle has a thicker wall to effectively send blood throughout the body.

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18
Q

True or False: The atria have thicker walls than the ventricles.

A

False

Atria are smaller and have thinner walls compared to the thicker-walled ventricles.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ receive blood from the body and lungs.

A

atria

Atria are responsible for receiving blood before it is pumped into the ventricles.

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20
Q

What are the two types of chambers in the heart?

A

Atria and Ventricles

The heart consists of two atria and two ventricles, each with distinct functions.

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21
Q

What is the primary role of the left atrium?

A

Receive oxygenated blood from the lungs

The left atrium collects oxygen-rich blood before it is sent to the left ventricle.

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22
Q

What distinguishes the ventricles from the atria?

A

Thicker walls

Ventricles have to pump blood out of the heart, requiring stronger muscular walls.

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23
Q

What is the function of an artery?

A

Away from the heart

Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body’s tissues.

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24
Q

What is the function of a vein?

A

Towards the heart

Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

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25
Q

What does ‘pulmonary’ refer to?

A

Lungs

The term ‘pulmonary’ is associated with the lungs and the respiratory system.

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26
Q

What is the main function of the aorta?

A

The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body.

The aorta is the largest artery in the body.

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27
Q

Which chamber of the heart receives deoxygenated blood?

A

Right atrium

The right atrium collects blood from the superior and inferior vena cavae.

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28
Q

Name the four chambers of the heart.

A
  • Right atrium
  • Right ventricle
  • Left atrium
  • Left ventricle

Each chamber has a distinct function in the circulation of blood.

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29
Q

What is the role of the pulmonary artery?

A

The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

This is crucial for gas exchange.

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30
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

A

Pulmonary vein

The pulmonary veins are responsible for returning oxygen-rich blood to the left atrium.

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31
Q

Which vessels return deoxygenated blood to the heart?

A
  • Superior vena cava
  • Inferior vena cava

These veins channel blood from the upper and lower parts of the body, respectively.

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32
Q

True or False: The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the lungs.

A

False

The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body, not the lungs.

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33
Q

What is the primary function of the left atrium?

A

The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins.

It acts as a holding chamber before the blood moves to the left ventricle.

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34
Q

What type of blood does the right ventricle pump?

A

Deoxygenated blood

The right ventricle sends blood to the lungs for oxygenation.

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35
Q

What is the function of the pulmonary artery?

A

Carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs

The pulmonary artery is crucial for gas exchange in the lungs.

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36
Q

What type of blood is carried by the aorta?

A

Oxygenated blood to the body

The aorta is the largest artery in the body.

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37
Q

What is the role of the vena cava?

A

Carries deoxygenated blood from the body

The vena cava consists of the superior and inferior vena cava.

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38
Q

What is the purpose of the pulmonary vein?

A

Carries oxygenated blood from the lungs

There are four pulmonary veins, two from each lung.

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39
Q

Fill in the blank: The right atrium receives _______ blood from the body.

A

deoxygenated

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40
Q

Fill in the blank: The left atrium receives _______ blood from the lungs.

A

oxygenated

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41
Q

Which chamber of the heart pumps blood to the lungs?

A

Right ventricle

The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the pulmonary artery.

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42
Q

Which chamber of the heart pumps blood to the body?

A

Left ventricle

The left ventricle is the strongest chamber, responsible for systemic circulation.

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43
Q

True or False: The left atrium receives deoxygenated blood.

A

False

The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins.

44
Q

What is the sequence of blood flow through the heart starting from the body?

A

Vena cava → Right atrium → Right ventricle → Pulmonary artery → Lungs → Pulmonary vein → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Aorta

This sequence describes the complete circuit of blood flow in the heart.

45
Q

What is the function of heart valves?

A

Prevent backflow of blood

Valves ensure that blood flows in one direction through the heart and vessels.

46
Q

What separates the right atrium and right ventricle?

A

Tricuspid valve

The tricuspid valve prevents backflow from the right ventricle to the right atrium.

47
Q

What separates the left atrium and left ventricle?

A

Bicuspid valve

Also known as the mitral valve, it prevents backflow into the left atrium.

48
Q

What are the two types of semilunar valves?

A
  • Aortic semilunar valve
  • Pulmonary semilunar valve

These valves prevent backflow from the aorta and pulmonary artery into the ventricles.

49
Q

What is regurgitation in the context of heart valves?

A

Backflow of blood

This occurs when damaged valves fail to close properly.

50
Q

What are the leaflets of a valve?

A

Little flaps that open and close

Leaflets regulate blood flow through the valves.

51
Q

What are coronary antennae?

A

The little strings at the bottom of the valves

They help support the valve leaflets.

52
Q

True or False: Semilunar valves are one-way valves.

A

True

Semilunar valves prevent backflow of blood into the heart.

53
Q

What is the first step in blood flow through the heart?

A

De-oxygenated blood is returned from muscles/organs via the superior/inferior vena cava to the RA

54
Q

What happens to blood after it enters the right atrium (RA)?

A

Blood passes through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle (RV)

55
Q

What is the role of the right ventricle (RV) in blood circulation?

A

Blood is pumped from the RV into the pulmonary artery to the lungs

56
Q

Where does blood get oxygenated?

A

In the lungs

57
Q

Fill in the blank: De-oxygenated blood is returned from muscles/organs via the _______.

A

superior/inferior vena cava

58
Q

True or False: Blood enters the right ventricle before passing through the tricuspid valve.

59
Q

What valve does blood pass through after the right atrium?

A

Tricuspid valve

60
Q

Fill in the blank: Blood is pumped from the right ventricle into the _______ to reach the lungs.

A

pulmonary artery

61
Q

What is the path of oxygenated blood after it exits the lungs?

A

Oxygenated blood exits the lungs via the pulmonary veins and passes into the LA

LA stands for left atrium.

62
Q

What valve does blood pass through from the left atrium to the left ventricle?

A

Bicuspid valve

The bicuspid valve is also known as the mitral valve.

63
Q

Where does blood go after leaving the left ventricle?

A

Blood leaves the LV via the aorta and is sent to muscles and organs around the body

LV stands for left ventricle.

64
Q

True or False: Blood passes from the left atrium to the left ventricle through the tricuspid valve.

A

False

Blood passes through the bicuspid (mitral) valve, not the tricuspid valve.

65
Q

Fill in the blank: Oxygenated blood exits the lungs via the _______.

A

pulmonary veins

Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

66
Q

What is the function of the left ventricle in the cardiovascular system?

A

Sends blood to the whole body at higher pressure and greater distance.

67
Q

What type of blood does the pulmonary circuit carry?

A

Oxygen poor, CO2 rich blood.

68
Q

What type of blood does the systemic circuit carry?

A

Oxygen rich, CO2 poor blood.

69
Q

True or False: The cardiovascular system is an open system.

70
Q

Fill in the blank: The cardiovascular system is a _______ system.

71
Q

What are the two main circuits of the cardiovascular system?

A
  • Pulmonary Circuit
  • Systemic Circuit
72
Q

What is the general function of the vascular loop?

A

Facilitates blood flow through the heart, lungs, and body.

73
Q

What is the function of the left ventricle in the cardiovascular system?

A

Sends blood to the whole body at higher pressure and greater distance.

74
Q

What type of blood does the pulmonary circuit carry?

A

Oxygen poor, CO2 rich blood.

75
Q

What type of blood does the systemic circuit carry?

A

Oxygen rich, CO2 poor blood.

76
Q

True or False: The cardiovascular system is an open system.

77
Q

Fill in the blank: The cardiovascular system is a _______ system.

78
Q

What are the two main circuits of the cardiovascular system?

A
  • Pulmonary Circuit
  • Systemic Circuit
79
Q

What is the general function of the vascular loop?

A

Facilitates blood flow through the heart, lungs, and body.

80
Q

What is the term for the heart’s ability to generate its own electrical signal?

A

AUTOCONDUCTION

This property allows the heart to initiate contractions without external stimulation.

81
Q

What is the role of the Sinoatrial node (SA)?

A

It triggers action potentials that propagate throughout both atria.

The SA node is located in the right atrial wall and acts as the primary pacemaker.

82
Q

What is the function of the Atrioventricular node (AV)?

A

Slows the action potential to allow time for atria to empty blood into ventricles.

The AV node is located in the interatrial septum.

83
Q

What are the components of the cardiac conduction system?

A
  • Sinoatrial node (SA)
  • Atrioventricular node (AV)
  • AV bundle (bundle of HIS)
  • Bundle branches
  • Purkinje fibers

These components work together to coordinate heart contractions.

84
Q

What are specialized cardiac muscle fibers that can self-excite called?

A

Autorhythmic fibers

These fibers generate action potentials that trigger heart contractions.

85
Q

What happens when the action potential reaches the Purkinje fibers?

A

It conducts the action potential from the apex upwards to the remainder of the ventricular myocardium.

This ensures the ventricles contract effectively.

86
Q

Fill in the blank: The action potential enters the AV bundle, also known as the _______.

A

bundle of HIS

This structure is crucial for transmitting the action potential from the atria to the ventricles.

87
Q

True or False: The cardiac conduction system relies solely on external signals to trigger heart contractions.

A

False

The heart has intrinsic mechanisms to generate electrical signals.

88
Q

What is the significance of the AV bundle in the cardiac conduction system?

A

It transmits the action potential from the AV node to the bundle branches.

This function is essential for ensuring coordinated ventricular contraction.

89
Q

What does an ECG measure?

A

Electrical impulses in the heart

An ECG pattern represents the electrical signal in the heart.

90
Q

What is the stable resting membrane potential of contractile fibres in the heart?

A

-90mV

This stable resting membrane potential is crucial for heart function.

91
Q

What happens during depolarisation?

A

Gets more positive

This change in electrical charge is essential for action potentials.

92
Q

What generates the electrical currents detected by an ECG?

A

Action potentials propagating through the heart

These currents can be detected at the surface of the body.

93
Q

What does the P wave represent in an ECG?

A

Atrial depolarisation

This indicates the electrical activity in the atria.

94
Q

What does the P-Q/R interval indicate?

A

Atrial excitation to ventricular excitation

It is the time for action potential to travel from SA node through atria to AV node.

95
Q

What does the QRS complex signify?

A

Firing of AV node and ventricular depolarisation

It also includes atrial repolarisation.

96
Q

What is represented by the S-T segment?

A

Time when ventricular contractile fibres are depolarised

This corresponds to ventricle systole/contraction and may be elevated in acute myocardial infarction.

97
Q

What does the T wave represent in an ECG?

A

Ventricular repolarisation

This indicates the recovery phase of the ventricles.

98
Q

What is the Q-T interval?

A

From beginning of ventricular depolarisation to end of repolarisation

This interval is important for assessing the heart’s electrical activity.

99
Q

What occurs after atrial depolarisation?

A

Atrial systole occurs, causing the atria to contract and pressure rises in atria

This forces blood through open AV valves.

100
Q

What happens during ventricular depolarisation?

A

Ventricular systole occurs, leading to ventricles contracting and pressure in ventricles rising

This pushes back on AV valves causing them to close.

101
Q

What is isovolumetric contraction?

A

All valves are shut during this phase

It occurs after ventricular systole.

102
Q

What happens when pressure in ventricles rises above aortic pressure?

A

SL valves open, forcing blood into aorta and pulmonary artery

This process is known as ventricular ejection.

103
Q

What does T represent in the cardiac cycle?

A

Ventricular repolarisation

This causes ventricular diastole, leading to relaxation.

104
Q

What occurs during ventricular diastole?

A

Pressure in ventricles falls, allowing higher pressure in aorta and pulmonary artery to close SL valves

This is followed by isovolumetric relaxation.

105
Q

What happens during isovolumetric relaxation?

A

All four valves are closed

This occurs as ventricles relax.

106
Q

What causes the AV valves to open during ventricular filling?

A

Atrial pressure becomes higher than ventricular pressure

This allows blood that has been filling atria during ventricular systole to enter the ventricles.

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