Introduction to the Circulatory System Flashcards
What is the function of the heart?
The heart pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients while removing waste.
Where is the heart located?
In the middle of the chest, slightly tilted to the left, between the lungs.
What protects the heart from friction?
The pericardium, a thin, double-layered membrane.
How many chambers does the heart have?
Four chambers: left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle.
What is the function of the left atrium?
Receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs.
What is the function of the left ventricle?
Pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
What is the function of the right atrium?
Receives oxygen-poor blood from the body.
What is the function of the right ventricle?
Pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs.
Which heart chamber has the thickest walls?
The left ventricle, as it pumps blood to the entire body.
What is the role of heart valves?
They act like doors, ensuring blood flows in one direction.
Where is the mitral valve located?
Between the left atrium and left ventricle.
Where is the aortic valve located?
Between the left ventricle and the aorta.
Where is the tricuspid valve located?
Between the right atrium and right ventricle.
Where is the pulmonary valve located?
Between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
What happens when heart valves don’t work properly?
Blood may flow backward, causing conditions like heart murmurs.
What is the first step in blood circulation?
Oxygen-poor blood enters the right atrium through the superior and inferior vena cava.
How does blood get oxygen?
The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen.
Where does oxygen-rich blood go after the lungs?
It returns to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins.
What is the function of the left ventricle in circulation?
It sends oxygen-rich blood to the body through the aorta.
How often does the heart beat per minute in a resting adult?
About 60–100 times per minute.
What initiates the heartbeat?
The sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart’s natural pacemaker.
What is the function of the atrioventricular (AV) node?
It delays the electrical signal slightly before it reaches the ventricles.
What spreads the electrical impulse to the ventricles?
The Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers.
What can happen if the heart’s electrical system malfunctions?
It can cause arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
What are the three main types of blood vessels?
Arteries, veins, and capillaries.
What do arteries do?
Carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
What is the largest artery?
The aorta.
What do veins do?
Carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.
What is the largest vein?
The vena cava.
What do capillaries do?
Connect arteries and veins, allowing gas and nutrient exchange.
How does the heart receive oxygen?
Through the coronary arteries.
What can happen if the coronary arteries become blocked?
It can lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
How can you keep your heart healthy?
Eat heart-healthy foods, stay active, avoid smoking, manage stress, and monitor health indicators.
