The Cardiovascular System Key Terms

Question 1

Sinoatrial node

Answer 1

A small mass of cardiac muscle found in the wall of the right atrium that generates the heartbeat. It is know as the pacemaker.

Question 2

Atrioventricular node

Answer 2

This node relays the impulse between the upper and lower sections of the heart.

Question 3

Systole

Answer 3

When the heart contracts.

Question 4

Bundle of His

Answer 4

A collection of heart muscle cells that transmit electrical impulses from the AVN via the bundle branches to the ventricles.

Question 5

Purkinje fibres

Answer 5

Muscle fibres that conduct impulses in the walls of the ventricles.

Question 6

Sympathetic system

Answer 6

A part of the autonomic nervous system that speeds up heart rate.

Question 7

Parasympathetic system

Answer 7

A part of the autonomic nervous system that decreases heart rate.

Question 8

Medulla oblongata

Answer 8

The most important part of the brain as it regulates processes that keep us alive such as breathing and heart rate.

Question 9

Chemoreceptors

Answer 9

Tiny structures in the carotid arteries and aortic arch that detect changes in the blood acidity caused by an increase or decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide.

Question 10

Myogenic

Answer 10

The capacity of the heart to generate it’s own impulse.

Question 11

Baroreceptors

Answer 11

Special sensors in tissues isnthe aortic arch, carotid sinus, heart and pulmonary vessels that respond to changes in blood pressure to either increase or decrease blood pressure.