Module 16: Heart and Blood Vessels Flashcards
the heart lies in a cavity called the
mediastinum
what is the mediastinum?
thoracic cavity minus pleural cavity (lungs and other associated structures)
the mediastinum includes:
- esophagus
- thymus
- great vessels of the heart
- heart
the mediastinum is located
posterior to the sternum and anterior to the vertebral columns
membrane that protects the heart is called
the pericardium
define echocardiography:
ultrasound of the heart and shows both cardiac anatomy and function
TEE
transesophageal echocardiography
what is transesophageal cardiography?
by placing a transducer in the esophagus, physicians can get a picture of the heart that is unobstructed by tissues that limit conventional echocardiography
function of the pericardium is to
surround and protect the heart
the pericardium consists of what 2 layers?
- deeper serous pericardium
- outermost fibrous pericardium
the serous pericardium consists of what 2 layers?
- visceral layer (deeper and synonymous with epicardium)
- parietal layer (fused to fibrous pericardium)
a tough, dense connective tissue that prevents the heart from over expanding and anchors it to the mediastinum.
fibrous pericardium
what is pericardial effusion?
an accumulation of excess fluid in this space
why would a pericardial effusion occur?
- infections
- trauma
- myocardial infarction
when does a pericardial effusion become life threatening and what is it called?
- when the excess fluid creates enough pressure that it prevents the heart from pumping
- cardiac tamponade
cardiac tamponade is
excess pericardial fluid or leaking blood that keeps the heart from pumping blood
where is pericardial fluid found?
within the pericardial cavity between the visceral and parietal layers of the serous pericardium
how many chambers are found within the heart?
4 consisting of two atria (superior) and two ventricles (inferior)
collective function of atria
receiving/holding chambers for blood
collective function of ventricles
pumping chambers for blood to the lungs and body
this chamber receives deoxygenated blood from the body
right atrium
this chamber receives oxygenated blood from the lungs
left atrium
this chamber receives blood from the right atrium. Its job is to pump deoxygenated blood out to the lungs.
right ventricle
this chamber receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium. its job is to pump oxygenated blood out to the body
left ventricle