The heart and circulatory system Flashcards
Why do we need the heart?
It provides blood flow to all parts of the body.
Why do we need blood flow to all parts of the body?
To remove waste like carbon dioxide and provide oxygen and nutrients to cells.
What happens if too much waste accumulates in the body?
Cells begin to die, which is why the heart must continuously pump blood
What are the two main functions of the heart?
Systemic Flow: Delivers oxygenated blood to the body.
Pulmonary Flow: Delivers deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
What is the pathway of blood flow through the heart?
1.Blood enters through the superior/inferior vena cava into the right atrium.
2.Passes through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle.
3.Travels through the pulmonary valve to the pulmonary trunk and arteries.
4.Undergoes gas exchange in the lungs.
5.Returns via pulmonary veins to the left atrium.
6.Passes through the mitral valve to the left ventricle.
7.Exits through the aortic valve into the aorta and is delivered to the body.
What is the pathway of pulmonary flow?
Deoxygenated blood flows from the Right Atrium → Tricuspid Valve→ Right Ventricle → Pulmonary Valve → Pulmonary Trunk → Pulmonary Arteries → Lungs for oxygenation.
What is the pathway of systemic flow?
Oxygenated blood flows through the pulmonary veins into the Left Atrium →Mitral Valve→ Left Ventricle →Aortic Valve→ Aorta → The rest of the body.
Which type of circulation occurs on the right side of the heart?
Pulmonary circulation.
Which type of circulation occurs on the left side of the heart?
Systemic circulation.
What are the four chambers of the heart?
Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle.
What are the four heart valves, and their abbreviations?
T: Tricuspid Valve
P: Pulmonary Valve
M: Mitral Valve
A: Aortic Valve
What is the function of heart valves?
To ensure one-way blood flow and prevent backflow.
What is the difference between arteries and veins?
Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood toward the heart.
What are coronary blood vessels, and why are they important?
They are made up of veins and arteries that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart itself and remove waste.
Why is the heart considered part of systemic flow?
Because it is made up of cells that require oxygen and nutrients like other parts of the body.
What are the four most important basic needs for cells?
Access to oxygen.
A source of glucose.
A balanced fluid environment.
Removal of waste (e.g., carbon dioxide).
How do the heart and lungs work together?
Pulmonary circulation sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
Systemic circulation delivers oxygenated blood to the body and collects waste like CO₂.
Why are there two pumps in the heart?
Right pump (low pressure): Sends blood to lungs without damaging capillaries.
Left pump (high pressure): Sends blood to the body to overcome vessel resistance.
What would happen if there was only one pump?
A single high-pressure pump could damage lung capillaries and prevent proper oxygen exchange.
