Heart transport Flashcards
Ventricle
Large chamber of the heart which forces deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
Atrium
One of the two upper chambers in the heart that receives blood from the circulatory system.
Atrioventricular valve
Prevents blood from flowing back into the atria from the ventricles.
Electrical impulse
An electrical charge that travels along the membrane of a neuron.
Depolarisation
The process by which the membrane potential becomes less negative, because the cells that are entering are positive
Repolarisation
The process by which the membrane potential of a neuron returns to its resting state after an action potential.
Systole/diastole
The contraction of the heart is called systole, while the relaxation of the heart is called diastole.
Valve
The AV valves connect the atria to the ventricles. They stop blood flowing back into the atria when the ventricles contract.
Aortic valve
One of your four heart valves. It connects the left ventricle with your aorta.
Semilunar valves
One-way valves that separate the ventricles from major arteries. The aortic valve separates the left ventricle from the aorta, while the pulmonary valve separates the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery.
Electrocardiogram
Can be used to monitor and investigate the electrical activity of the heart. Electrodes that are capable of detecting electric signals are placed on the skin.
Bundle of His
A bundle of specialized fibers that transmit the electrical impulse from the AV node to the ventricles.
Purkinje fibers
Specialized conducting fibers composed of electrically excitable cells. They cause the contractions of the ventricle and are essential for maintaining a consistent heart rhythm.
Septum
A wall between the two chambers of the heart which stops oxygenated and deoxygenated blood mixing.
