Cardiovascular Anatomy Flashcards

Aorta and Major Arteries

• The aorta is the body's largest artery, transporting oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body.
• The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation.
• The ascending aorta connects to the aortic arch, leading to the descending aorta, which is divided into thoracic and abdominal sections.
• The right coronary artery supplies blood to the right side of the heart, whereas the left coronary artery serves the left side.

Heart Chambers and Valves

• The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and directs it to the right ventricle.
• The left atrium collects oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins and pushes it into the left ventricle.
• The tricuspid valve controls blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle, while the bicuspid (or mitral) valve does so for the left atrium and ventricle.
• The pulmonary and aortic valves are one-way valves preventing backflow, enabling smooth blood circulation.

Additional Cardiac Structures

• Chordae tendineae are fibrous strings tethering the heart valves to the papillary muscles, aiding valve function.
• Papillary muscles protrude from the ventricular walls, supporting the chordae tendineae.
• The interventricular septum is the muscular wall separating the left and right ventricles.

Blood Collection and Circulation

• The superior and inferior vena cava are the large veins returning deoxygenated blood to the right atrium from the body.
• The coronary sinus collects cardiac venous blood, channeling it into the right atrium.
• Pulmonary veins transport oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.

Fetal Structure Remnants

• The ligamentum arteriosum is a remnant from fetal circulation, while the fossa ovalis marks the site of a previous fetal shunt in the right atrium.

Peripheral Arteries and Their Functions

• The common carotid arteries supply blood to the face; the external carotid branches outward, while the internal carotid branches supply the brain.
• The brachial artery is located in the upper arm, bifurcating into the radial and ulnar arteries in the forearm.
• The celiac trunk supplies blood to abdominal organs, with mesenteric arteries aiding in blood flow to the intestines.
• Renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys, while gonadal arteries lead to the ovaries or testes.

Overall Heart Function

• The left side of the heart is involved in systemic circulation, delivering blood to the upper body and head.
• The right side focuses on pulmonary circulation, directing deoxygenated blood to the lungs for gas exchange.