Principles - CVS Flashcards
What is the systemic circulation?
This comes from the left side of the heart and goes to the capillary beds of organs (oxygenated) and tissues, then goes back to the right side of the heart (deoxygenated).
What is the pulmonary circulation?
This comes from the right side of the heart (deoxygenated) and goes to the lungs to get oxygenated, then goes back to the left side of the heart
Where is the heart located?
middle mediastinum
What is the mediastinum divided into?
Superior
Inferior (further divided into anterior, middle and posterior)
Level of the divide is at the sternal angle
What is the pericardium?
Found in the middle mediastinum
Bag/sac surrounding the heart
Made of two layers
Describe the outer layer of the pericardium.
Fibrous pericardium
Tough, thick, protective
Prevents overfilling and protects from penetrating injuries
Describe the inner/deep layer of the pericardium.
Serous pericardium
Membranous, glistening
Secretes serous fluid
Continuous
Visceral serous pericardium covers/touches the heart
Parietal serous pericardium is touching the fibrous pericardium
What are the three layers of tissue in the heart? Describe them.
Epicardium - external layer, formed by the visceral serous pericardium
Myocardium - middle, muscle layer
Endocardium - internal lining, continuous with endothelium of blood vessels connecting with the heart
What is the base of the heart?
The base of the heart is its posterior surface - opposite the apex
What is the anterior surface of the heart mainly formed by?
The right ventricle
What is the inferior surface of the heart?
The surface that rests on the diaphragm
If you are looking at the anterior surface of the heart, name the blood vessels from right to left?
SVC, aorta, pulmonary trunk
How are cardiac myocytes arranged?
in spirals
Which vessels drain into the left atrium?
The right and left pulmonary veins, having come from the lungs, carrying oxygenated blood
What blood vessel leaves the left ventricle?
The aorta
