The Heart (01)

Question 1

Cardiovascular system functions (3)

Answer 1

Transport mechanism for human body
1) Nutrients: macronutrients and micronutrients
2) Gases: oxygen and carbon dioxide
3) End products of metabolism (including hormones)
Other functions: immunity, tissue repair, body temperature

Question 2

Components of CV system (3)

Answer 2

1) Heart: central pump
2) Blood vessels (vasculature): network of tubing
3) Blood: fluid contained within the CV system

Question 3

Functions of the Heart (4)

Answer 3

1. Generating blood pressure
2. Routing blood: separates pulmonary, systemic, coronary
   circulations
3. Ensuring one-way blood flow: valves (preventing
   backflow)
4. Regulating blood supply
   - Changes in contraction rate and force match blood
   delivery to changing metabolic needs
   Example: riding a bike (increase blood flow to active
   muscle)

Question 4

Where is the heart located?

Answer 4

Mediastinum

Question 5

Base of the heart

Answer 5

Flat part at
opposite of end of
apex. Directed
posteriorly, superiorly
and to the right

Question 6

Apex of the heart

Answer 6

Blunt rounded
point of cone.
Directed anteriorly,
inferiorly and to the
left

Question 7

Fibrous pericardium

Answer 7

Tough dense irregular CT outer layer. Prevents
over distention; acts as anchor

Question 8

Serous pericardium

Answer 8

Thin, transparent, double inner layers. Simple
squamous epithelium (or mesothelium)

Question 9

Types of serous pericardium (2)

Answer 9

1. Parietal pericardium: lines the fibrous outer layer
2. Visceral pericardium (epicardium): covers heart surface
   They are continuous and have a pericardial cavity between them filled with pericardial fluid

Question 10

Layers of the heart wall

Answer 10

Epicardium: visceral layer of serous pericardium
Myocardium: cardiac muscle layer is the bulk of
the heart
Endocardium: chamber lining &
valves

Question 11

Four chambers of the heart

Answer 11

2 upper atria (plus auricles)
2 lower ventricles

Question 12

Sulci of the heart

Answer 12

Coronary sulcus: encircles heart and marks the boundary between the atria and the ventricles
Anterior interventricular sulcus: marks the boundary between the ventricles anteriorly
Posterior interventricular sulcus: marks the boundary between the ventricles posteriorly

Question 13

Coronary circulation

Answer 13

blood supply to the heart (heart is very active and needs lots of oxygen)

Question 14

Anastomoses (coronary circulation)

Answer 14

Connections between arteries supplying blood to the same region, provide alternate routes if one artery becomes occluded

Question 15

When heart relaxes…

Answer 15

high pressure of blood in aorta pushes blood into coronary vessels

Question 16

Right coronary artery

Answer 16

Exits aorta just superior to point where aorta exits heart; lies in coronary sulcus. Extends to posterior aspect of heart

Question 17

Right coronary artery branches

Answer 17

1. Right marginal artery (lateral wall of right ventricle)
2. Posterior interventricular artery (lies in posterior interventricular sulcus, supplies posterior and inferior aspects of heart)

Question 18

Left coronary artery

Answer 18

Exits aorta near right coronary

Question 19

Left coronary artery branches

Answer 19

– Anterior interventricular artery (left anterior descending artery) in anterior interventricular sulcus
– Circumflex artery (extends to posterior aspect)

Question 20

Great cardiac vein

Answer 20

Drains left side of the heart

Question 21

Small cardiac vein

Answer 21

Drains right margin of heart

Question 22

Middle cardiac vein

Answer 22

Drains areas supplied by posterior
interventricular artery

Question 23

Coronary sinus

Answer 23

Large venous cavity, empties into
right atrium