Week 7 (Cardiac) Flashcards
Describe the size, location and orientation of the heart
The human heart is roughly the size of a fist and is located slightly left of the midline of the chest (mediastinum), between the lungs and behind the sternum. It tilts slightly to the left and is oriented diagonally within the thoracic cavity, with its base at the top and its apex pointing downward and to the left.
Relate the structure of the heart wall and valves to their function
- The epicardium (outer layer)
- The myocardium (middle layer composed of cardiac muscle)
- The endocardium (inner layer).
Relate the structure of the valves to their function
The valves of the heart, including the atrioventricular (AV) valves (tricuspid and mitral) and semilunar valves (pulmonary and aortic)
- ensure one-way blood flow through the heart chambers by opening and closing in response to pressure changes during the cardiac cycle
Differentiate the pulmonary circulation
Pulmonary circulation refers to the circulation of blood between the heart and the lungs, where blood picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
Differentiate the systemic circulation
Systemic circulation refers to the circulation of oxygenated blood from the heart to the body’s tissues and the return of deoxygenated blood back to the heart
Identify the need for a coronary circulation and the vessels that play a role in it
- Coronary circulation supplies oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle itself.
- Coronary arteries, including the left and right coronary arteries, branch off the aorta and supply blood to the heart muscle.
- Coronary veins, including the great cardiac vein and coronary sinus, drain deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle back to the right atrium.
Name the components of the cardiac conduction system
The cardiac conduction system consists of specialized cardiac muscle cells that generate and conduct electrical impulses to coordinate heart contractions. Components include the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, bundle of His, bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers.
Describe how blood pressure and osmotic pressure influence tissue fluid movement
Blood pressure drives fluid out of capillaries into tissues, while osmotic pressure (mainly due to plasma proteins like albumin) draws fluid back into capillaries. The balance between these pressures regulates tissue fluid movement, ensuring proper tissue hydration and nutrient exchange
Define cardiac cycle, cardiac output and stroke volume
The cardiac cycle refers to the sequence of events in one heartbeat, including atrial and ventricular contraction and relaxation. Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, while stroke volume is the volume of blood pumped by each ventricle in one contraction.
Discuss the role of the heart in maintaining homeostasis
The heart plays a central role in maintaining homeostasis by pumping blood to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to tissues, removing waste products, regulating blood pressure, and coordinating immune responses.
Relate the structure and function of the cardiovascular system to a range of nursing actions
Nurses monitor vital signs (including heart rate and blood pressure), administer medications affecting cardiac function, assess for signs of heart disease or dysfunction, provide patient education on heart-healthy lifestyle habits, and assist with procedures such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and cardiac rehabilitation exercises.
where is your heart
- inferior mediastinum, medial cavity of thorx
- rests on diaphragm
- Apex points to left hip
how big is your heart
- size of your fist
what does your heart do
– pumps blood to
1. lungs for oxygenation and carbon dioxide loss
2. body for transportation of gasses, wastes, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones
Why does the heart need its own blood supply when there is blood passing through it
cannot receive oxygen and glucose from blood passing through its chamber
