Anatomy of the Middle Mediastinum

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What structures are located in the middle mediastinum?

Heart, pericardium, great vessels, trachea, esophagus

What are the two layers of the pericardium?

Fibrous pericardium and serous pericardium

What is the function of the fibrous pericardium?

Protects the heart, anchors it to surrounding structures, prevents overfilling of the heart

What is the myocardium responsible for?

Contracting Signup and view all the answers

What is the endocardium's function?

Prevents clotting of blood within the heart, forms a barrier between the myocardium and blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium also known as?

Epicardium Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the fibrous skeleton of the heart?

Anchors the cardiac muscle fibers + valves + great vessels. Reinforces the myocardium. Provides Electrical Isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two parts of the fibrous skeleton of the heart?

Septums and Rings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the flat sheets within the fibrous skeleton of the heart?

Separating atriums, ventricles, and left and right sides of the heart. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Pectinate Muscles in the right atrium?

Ridged internal anterior wall due to muscle bundles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the appendages called Auricles in the atria?

Increase atrial volume. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Rings in the fibrous skeleton of the heart?

Rings are found around great vessel entrances & valves to stop stretching under pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three veins through which blood enters the heart?

Superior Vena Cava, Inferior Vena Cava, Coronary Sinus Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of the heart receives blood from the 4 pulmonary veins?

Left Atrium Signup and view all the answers

What structures line the internal walls of the ventricles?

Trabeculae Carneae Signup and view all the answers

Which ventricle is responsible for the systemic circulation?

Left Ventricle Signup and view all the answers

What landmark of the heart encircles the junction between the atria and ventricles?

Coronary Sulcus (Atrioventricular Groove) Signup and view all the answers

What structure separates the right and left ventricles anteriorly?

Anterior Interventricular Sulcus Signup and view all the answers

What channels close during repolarization?

Influxing Ca+ channels Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the efflux of K+ ions during repolarization?

Net outward flow of +ve charge Signup and view all the answers

How are excess Na+ ions removed from the cell?

Na/K-ATPase Signup and view all the answers

What replaces the deficit of K+ ions in the cell during repolarization?

Na/K-ATPase Signup and view all the answers

How is the excess Ca+ from the Plateau Phase eliminated?

Na/Ca Exchanger Signup and view all the answers

How long is the Absolute Refractory Period in cardiac muscle?

Approx 200ms Signup and view all the answers

What does the Posterior Interventricular Sulcus separate posteriorly?

The right and left ventricles Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Anterior InterVentricular Artery?

Supplying blood to the heart Signup and view all the answers

Where does the blood flow after it gains oxygen in the pulmonary circuit?

Back to the left side of the heart Signup and view all the answers

What causes the color change from blue to red in blood flowing through the pulmonary circuit?

Gaining oxygen and losing carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Where do the arteries supplying the myocardium lie to prevent contractions from inhibiting blood flow?