Chapter 17 Flashcards
Aorta
The major artery from the heart
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
A group of signs and symptoms resulting from any of a variety of conditions that can affect the heart in which the coronary artery is our narrowed or occluded by fat deposits, clocks, or spasms
Arteriole
The smallest branch of an artery, which at its distal end leads into a capillary
Artery
Blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart
Atria
The two upper chambers of the heart. PL of atrium
Automaticity
The ability of cells within the cardiac conduction system to generate a cardiac impulse on their own
Blood pressure
The force exerted by the blood on the interior walls of the blood vessel
Capillary
Tiny blood vessel that connects and arterial to a venule
Cardiac compromise
Reduced hurt function caused by any of a variety of conditions, diseases, or injuries affecting the heart
Cardiac conduction system
The specialized contractile and conductive tissue of the heart that generates electrical impulses and causes the heart to beat. Also called the coronary conduction system.
Circulatory system
System composed of the heart and blood vessels that brings oxygen and nutrients to and takes waste away from body cells. Also called the cardiovascular system
Coronary arteries
Blood vessels that supply the heart with blood
Heart
The muscular organ that contracts to force blood into circulation through the body
Nitroglycerin
Medication that dilates the blood vessels, increasing blood flow through the common arteries and decreasing the workload of the heart, often prescribed for patients with a long history of chest pain.
Perfusion
The delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to the cells of all organ systems, which results from the constant adequate circulation of blood through the capillaries
