Cardiovascular System Flashcards
What is the mediastinum and what structures are found within it?
Central compartment of thoracic cavity contains the heart, major blood vessels, thymus gland, esophagus, trachea, and nerves.
What is the function of the pericardium?
Fixation
Prevents overfilling
Lubrication
Protection
What are the three layers of the heart?
Epicardium
Myocardium
Endocardium
What is the function of the fibrous skeleton of the heart?
Anchors heart valves
Maintains valve integrity
Muscular attachment points
Electrical insulator
Describe the role and location of the different types of heart valves.
Atrioventricular- between the atria and ventricles consists of tricuspid (right side of heart) and bicuspid (left side of heart)
Semilunar- between the ventricles and corresponding valves consists of pulmonary semilunar (right ventricle and pulmonary trunk) and aortic semilunar (between left ventricle and aorta)
What are the four chambers of the heart and their functions?
Right atrium- receive deoxygenated blood from superior + inferior vena cava
Left atrium- receives blood flow from four pulmonary veins
Right ventricle- pumps blood into the pulmonary vessels
Left ventricle- increases force of contraction to pump blood systemically
Trace the flow of blood through the heart.
Superior/inferior vena cava
Right atrium - tricuspid valve
Right ventricle - pulmonary semilunar valve
Pulmonary trunk
Pulmonary arteries
To the lungs
Pulmonary veins
Left atrium - bicuspid valve
Left ventricle - aortic semilunar valve
Aorta
To the body
Describe the differences between the parasympathetic and sympathetic innervation of the heart.
Parasympathetic- vagus nerve to decrease heart rate
Sympathetic- T1-T5 via sympathetic trunk to increase heart rate and force contraction
Trace the conduction of the heart starting at the SA node.
Sinoatrial node (SA node- right atrium)
Atrioventricular node - right atrium, near tricuspid
Atrioventricular bundle - bundle branches
Purkinje fibers
Describe the significance of the various EKG segments.
P-wave: activation of atria
QRS Complex: activation of ventricles
T-wave: recovery wave
List out the various blood vessels of the heart and the significance to the blood that they carry.
Aorta- largest artery of the body
Pulmonary arteries- carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs
Pulmonary veins- deliver oxygenated blood to the heart
Vena Cava- carry deoxygenated blood to the right atrium
Coronary arteries- provide oxygen rich blood to heart muscles
Cardiac veins- receives blood and drains into the right atrium
