Cardiovascular System Overview
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Questions and Answers

What part of the heart forms the apex?

  • The inferolateral part of the left ventricle (correct)
  • The right atrium
  • The left atrium
  • The inferolateral part of the right ventricle

Where is the apex of the heart located in relation to the midsternal line?

  • 8 to 9 cm from the midsternal line (correct)
  • 10 to 11 cm from the midsternal line
  • 5 to 6 cm from the midsternal line
  • 3 to 4 cm from the midsternal line

What primarily composes the anterior surface of the heart?

  • The left atrium
  • The right ventricle (correct)
  • The left ventricle
  • The right atrium

Which intercostal space is directly above the apex of the heart?

<p>Fifth intercostal space (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which surface features some right atrium as well as left ventricle?

<p>The anterior surface (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is intervention usually indicated for valvular lesions?

<p>Only when moderate or severe lesions cause symptoms or dysfunction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible interventions for valvular lesions?

<p>Valvuloplasty and valve repair or replacement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition leads to rheumatic heart disease?

<p>Untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the heart valve damage in rheumatic heart disease?

<p>An autoimmune response leading to inflammation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about rheumatic heart disease is true?

<p>It results in permanent valve damage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How soon after a streptococcal infection can valve damage begin in rheumatic heart disease?

<p>Days to weeks after the infection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method for valvular lesions is performed percutaneously?

<p>Valvuloplasty (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor influences ongoing valve damage in rheumatic heart disease?

<p>Immune response and inflammation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily distinguishes muscular arteries from elastic arteries?

<p>Muscular arteries have thicker tunica media. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the abundant elastic fibers in elastic arteries?

<p>To allow for expansion and recoil. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about arterioles is true?

<p>Arterioles consist of three tunics with greatly reduced thickness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does blood pressure affect the function of arteries as it flows from the heart?

<p>Blood pressure decreases by the time it reaches elastic arteries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for elastic arteries?

<p>Conducting arteries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of muscular arteries makes them effective for vasoconstriction?

<p>Presence of smooth muscle cell layers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of muscular arteries in the circulatory system?

<p>To distribute blood to smaller branch networks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What transition occurs from elastic arteries to muscular arteries?

<p>A progression in diameter alongside branching. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the liver regarding materials brought by the hepatic portal vein?

<p>To process materials and release plasma proteins (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a metarteriole?

<p>It exhibits characteristics of both arterioles and capillaries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes venules from capillaries?

<p>Venules are larger and have a few muscle cells and elastic fibers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the wall of a venule?

<p>Endothelium, a thin middle layer, and connective tissue fibers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do postcapillary venules function in relation to capillary beds?

<p>They merge multiple capillaries into larger veins. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes fenestrated capillaries from other types of capillaries?

<p>They contain large pores allowing for the passage of larger molecules. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is blood flow through sinusoid capillaries considered slow?

<p>It allows more time for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations are fenestrated capillaries commonly found?

<p>Small intestine and kidneys (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of sinusoid capillaries?

<p>To facilitate the passage of blood cells and plasma proteins. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT typically associated with fenestrated capillaries?

<p>Bone marrow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do sinusoid capillaries facilitate the function of bone marrow?

<p>By allowing blood cells to enter the bloodstream through large openings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the degree of permeability in fenestrated capillaries have?

<p>It regulates nutrient absorption and filtration in organs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about sinusoid capillaries is incorrect?

<p>They have tight junctions similar to continuous capillaries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the fossa ovalis in the right atrium?

<p>To allow oxygenated blood to bypass the lungs in fetal circulation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vessels deliver blood to the right atrium?

<p>Superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and coronary sinus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure separates the right atrium and left atrium?

<p>Interatrial septum. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the tricuspid valve function during ventricular contraction?

<p>It closes to prevent backflow into the right atrium. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the outflow tract of the right ventricle leading to the pulmonary trunk?

<p>Conus arteriosus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the foramen ovale play in fetal circulation?

<p>It allows oxygenated blood to pass from the right atrium to the left atrium. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional significance of the limbus fossa ovalis?

<p>It marks the embryonic structure that once allowed blood to bypass the lungs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does blood from the walls of the heart itself return to?

<p>Coronary sinus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is commonly associated with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI)?

<p>Chest pain described as pressure or squeezing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic method is NOT typically used for detecting myocardial infarction?

<p>MRI of the brain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is primarily administered to improve blood supply to the heart during an MI?

<p>Nitroglycerin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate goal of treatment for a myocardial infarction?

<p>To save as much viable heart muscle as possible (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these signs indicates possible myocardial infarction?

<p>Cold clammy sweating (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component that makes up the outer layer of the pericardium?

<p>Fibrous pericardium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the serous pericardium directly adheres to the heart?

<p>Visceral layer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the pericardial cavity?

<p>It allows uninhibited movement of the heart. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between the layers of the serous pericardium?

<p>The two layers are continuous at the roots of the great vessels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is found between the parietal and visceral layers of the serous pericardium?

<p>Pericardial fluid (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the right side of the heart?

<p>To receive deoxygenated blood and send it to the lungs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of the heart is primarily responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body?

<p>Left ventricle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature separates the right atrium from the left atrium?

<p>Fossa ovalis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which surface of the heart faces the left lung?

<p>Left pulmonary surface (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the coronary sulcus contain?

<p>Right coronary artery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the heart's internal partitions primarily responsible for?

<p>Dividing the heart into four chambers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best describes the right pulmonary surface of the heart?

<p>Broad and convex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure separates the ventricles in the heart?

<p>Interventricular septum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the aorta in the circulatory system?

<p>To distribute oxygenated blood to the entire body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what level does the aorta bifurcate into the common iliac arteries?

<p>L4 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the ascending aorta?

<p>It arises from the left ventricle and extends 2 inches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the aortic arch primarily connect?

<p>The ascending aorta and descending aorta (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From which level does the thoracic aorta span?

<p>T4 to T12 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structures arise from the left and right aortic sinuses?

<p>Coronary arteries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the aorta as a large elastic artery?

<p>It can stretch and recoil (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which direction does the aortic arch curve?

<p>Superiorly, posteriorly, and to the left (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what specific circumstances is intervention indicated in valvular lesions?

<p>When a severe valvular lesion presents with symptoms or dysfunction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential treatment options for valvular lesions?

<p>Valve repair or replacement, either surgically or percutaneously (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of heart valve damage in rheumatic heart disease?

<p>Inflammatory response following untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How quickly can heart valve damage begin after a streptococcal infection?

<p>Shortly after untreated or under-treated infections (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which complication arises from rheumatic fever that leads to rheumatic heart disease?

<p>An immune response causing inflammation in the heart valves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic most accurately reflects rheumatic heart disease?

<p>Permanent damage to heart valves due to previous rheumatic fever (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of intervention might be performed if valvuloplasty is deemed unnecessary?

<p>Valve repair or replacement procedures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does an inflammatory response have on heart valves in rheumatic heart disease?

<p>It causes ongoing damage and dysfunction of the valves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the sinoatrial node in the heart?

<p>To spontaneously generate and propagate electrical impulses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of the AV node in the heart's conduction system?

<p>Delays electrical impulses to ensure coordinated contractions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What observable feature on an ECG corresponds to the contraction of the atria?

<p>P wave (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would likely happen without the delay caused by the AV node?

<p>Atria and ventricles would contract simultaneously (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of Purkinje fibers in the heart's conduction system is to:

<p>Stimulate groups of myocardial cells to contract (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the spreading of electrical activity through the ventricular myocardium produce on the ECG?

<p>QRS complex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does electrical conduction through Bachmann's bundle influence heart function?

<p>It allows simultaneous contraction of both atria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which segment on the ECG is primarily formed by the delay at the AV node?

<p>PR segment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Rheumatic Heart Disease

A condition where heart valves are permanently damaged by rheumatic fever.

Valve Damage Cause

Untreated strep throat or scarlet fever can lead to valve damage.

Immune Response

An inflammatory response from the body damages the valves.

Valve Intervention

Procedure like valvuloplasty or valve replacement for severe valve lesions.

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Intervention Indication

Intervention needed only for moderate or severe valve problems causing symptoms or heart issues.

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Valvuloplasty

A procedure to fix the valve(s).

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Valve Replacement

Replacing a damaged valve with a new one.

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Percutaneous Intervention

A non-surgical approach to fix a valve.

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Fenestrated Capillary

A capillary with pores (fenestrations) in its endothelial lining, increasing permeability to larger molecules.

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Fenestrations

Small pores in the endothelial cells of fenestrated capillaries.

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Sinusoid Capillary

A very permeable capillary with large gaps and incomplete basement membranes, allowing for the passage of large molecules and even cells.

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Permeability

The ability of a substance to pass through a material.

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Blood flow in sinusoid

Slow, allowing more time for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes.

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Location of fenestrated capillaries

Common in the small intestine (absorption) and kidneys (filtration).

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Location of sinusoid capillaries

Found in liver, spleen, bone marrow, lymphatic nodes, and endocrine glands.

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Function of sinusoid capillaries

Allow passage of large molecules and cells for vital functions like blood cell formation

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Right Atrium Blood Entry

Blood flows into the right atrium from three vessels: the superior and inferior venae cavae, bringing blood from the body, and the coronary sinus, returning blood from the heart itself.

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Right Atrioventricular Orifice

The opening between the right atrium and the right ventricle, through which blood passes during relaxation.

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Tricuspid Valve

The valve that closes the right atrioventricular orifice, preventing blood from flowing back into the right atrium when the ventricle contracts.

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Interatrial Septum

The wall separating the right and left atria, positioned forward and to the right due to the left atrium's posterior and leftward location.

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Fossa Ovalis

A depression on the interatrial septum, marking the site of the embryonic foramen ovale.

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Foramen Ovale

An opening in the fetal heart that allows oxygenated blood from the inferior vena cava to pass directly to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs.

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Conus Arteriosus (Infundibulum)

The outflow tract of the right ventricle that leads to the pulmonary trunk, responsible for the flow of blood from the ventricle to the lungs.

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Right Ventricle Function

The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, where it is oxygenated before being transported to the rest of the body.

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Heart Apex Location

The heart's apex, formed by the left ventricle, is found deep to the left fifth intercostal space, 8 to 9 cm from the midsternal line.

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Heart Anterior Surface

The front surface of the heart is mainly made up of the right ventricle, with some right atrium on the right and left ventricle on the left.

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Apex of the Heart

The most inferior and pointed part of the heart, formed by the left ventricle.

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Heart Surfaces

The heart has distinct surfaces: anterior, inferior, posterior, and lateral.

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Heart Position

The human heart is located in the chest cavity, slightly to the left of the midline.

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Metarteriole

A type of vessel that has characteristics of both an arteriole and a capillary. It has a thin middle layer of smooth muscle that forms rings (sphincters) controlling capillary blood flow.

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Capillary Bed

A network of capillaries that serves a specific tissue or organ. It receives blood from a metarteriole and releases it into a venule.

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Venule

A small vein that collects blood from capillaries and joins with other venules to form larger veins.

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Why does the liver need sinusoid capillaries?

The liver needs sinusoid capillaries to process materials brought in by the hepatic portal vein. These capillaries allow for exchange of large molecules and cells needed for liver function.

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Elastic Artery

A large artery with thick walls containing a high percentage of elastic fibers, allowing it to expand and recoil with each heartbeat.

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Muscular Artery

A smaller artery with a thicker tunica media, primarily composed of smooth muscle, responsible for vasoconstriction.

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Elastic Artery vs. Muscular Artery

Elastic arteries have high elastic fibers for expansion and recoil, while muscular arteries have more smooth muscle for vasoconstriction.

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Conducting Artery

Another name for an elastic artery, due to its large diameter that conducts blood efficiently from the heart to smaller vessels.

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Distributing Artery

Another name for a muscular artery, highlighting its role in distributing blood to the body's tissues.

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Tunica Media in Arterioles

The middle layer of an arteriole contains smooth muscle layers that are much thinner than those in larger arteries.

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Endothelial Lining

The inner lining of the tunica intima in arterioles, composed of endothelial cells, helps regulate blood flow and prevents blood clotting.

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Why is valvular intervention needed?

Intervention is typically required for moderate or severe valvular lesions that cause symptoms or cardiac dysfunction.

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What types of valvular interventions exist?

Intervention can involve valvuloplasty (repair), valve replacement, and can be done percutaneously (without surgery) or surgically.

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What causes damage in rheumatic heart disease?

Untreated or under-treated streptococcal infections, like strep throat or scarlet fever, can cause damage to heart valves.

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How does damage occur in rheumatic heart disease?

An immune response to the strep infection triggers inflammation in the body, which can lead to ongoing damage to the heart valves.

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What happens during an inflammatory response in rheumatic heart disease?

The immune response leads to inflammation, which can result in ongoing damage to the heart valves.

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What is 'valvuloplasty'?

A procedure to fix a damaged heart valve, usually done percutaneously or surgically.

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How does this relate to the testing effect?

Flashcard learning utilizes the testing effect, where repeated retrieval of information from memory strengthens its encoding and retention.

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Pericardium

A protective sac surrounding the heart and the roots of the great vessels. It has two layers: the fibrous pericardium, a tough outer layer, and the serous pericardium, a thin inner layer.

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Serous Pericardium

The inner layer of the pericardium. It has two parts: the parietal layer lining the fibrous pericardium and the visceral layer (epicardium) adhering to the heart.

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Pericardial Cavity

The space between the parietal and visceral layers of the serous pericardium. It is filled with a small amount of fluid called pericardial fluid.

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Fibrous Pericardium

The tough outer layer of the pericardium that defines the boundaries of the middle mediastinum.

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Epicardium

The visceral layer of the serous pericardium, which directly adheres to the heart's surface and forms its outer covering.

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What are the external grooves of the heart called?

The external grooves of the heart are called sulci.

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What separates the atria from the ventricles?

The coronary sulcus separates the atria from the ventricles.

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What does the right pump of the heart do?

The right pump receives deoxygenated blood from the body and sends it to the lungs.

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What does the left pump of the heart do?

The left pump receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and sends it to the body.

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What structures divide the heart into four chambers?

Internal partitions, called septa, divide the heart into four chambers: two atria and two ventricles.

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AMI Chest Pain

A squeezing or pressure sensation in the chest, often radiating to the jaw, arm, or back.

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AMI Symptoms

Besides chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and dizziness are also common.

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What are cardiac enzymes?

Cardiac enzymes are proteins released into the bloodstream when heart muscle is damaged.

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Time is [heart] muscle

Quick treatment for an MI is vital to minimize heart muscle damage.

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Nitroglycerin Use

Nitroglycerin widens blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart.

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Aorta

The largest artery in the body, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

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Ascending Aorta

The initial section of the aorta that arises from the left ventricle and ascends towards the aortic arch.

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Aortic Arch

A curved section of the aorta that continues from the ascending aorta, moving superiorly, posteriorly, and to the left.

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Thoracic Aorta

The descending portion of the aorta that extends from the aortic arch down through the chest.

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Abdominal Aorta

The final section of the aorta that travels through the abdominal cavity.

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Aortic Sinuses

Dilations in the ascending aorta, located at the level of the aortic valve, which give rise to the coronary arteries.

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Coronary Arteries

Arteries branching from the aortic sinuses that supply the heart muscle with oxygenated blood.

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Common Iliac Arteries

The two arteries that the aorta splits into at the level of L4, supplying the lower limbs.

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SA Node

The sinoatrial node (SA node) is the heart's natural pacemaker, initiating electrical impulses that trigger heart contractions.

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P Wave

The P wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG) represents the electrical activity as the impulse spreads through the atria, causing them to contract.

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AV Node Delay

The atrioventricular (AV) node introduces a brief delay in the conduction system, preventing simultaneous contraction of the atria and ventricles, ensuring efficient blood flow.

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QRS Complex

The QRS complex on an ECG reflects the electrical activity as the impulse travels through the ventricles, triggering their contraction.

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What is the function of the Purkinje Fibers?

Purkinje fibers are specialized conducting fibers that branch out from the bundle branches, stimulating individual muscle cells in the ventricles to contract.

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What is the role of the Bundle Branches?

The bundle branches are two extensions of the AV node that carry the electrical impulse to the left and right ventricles, ensuring coordinated contraction.

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Myocardium Stimulation

Myocardium is the heart muscle. It contracts in response to electrical stimulation, enabling blood to be pumped throughout the body.

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What is the significance of electrical conduction in the heart?

Efficient and ordered electrical conduction through the heart ensures coordinated contractions, allowing blood to be pumped effectively throughout the body.

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Study Notes

Learning Objectives

  • Describe and discuss the heart and associated structures.
  • Identify parts of the heart, arteries, and veins using a model.
  • Discuss blood circulation throughout the body.
  • Trace blood flow from one structure to another.

Cardiovascular System

  • The cardiovascular system is a closed system of the heart and blood vessels.
  • The heart pumps blood through a closed system of blood vessels.
  • Blood vessels allow blood to circulate throughout the body.
  • Arteries (usually red) carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to capillaries within tissues.
  • Veins (usually blue) carry oxygen-poor blood to the heart from the capillaries.
  • Capillaries are the smallest vessels within tissues where gas exchange occurs.
  • The cardiovascular system delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removes carbon dioxide and waste products.

Middle Mediastinum

  • Centrally located in the thoracic cavity.
  • Contains the pericardium, heart, major vessels, nerves, and smaller vessels.
  • It's located between superior, anterior, inferior, and posterior mediastinum.

Pericardium

  • A fibroserous sac surrounding the heart and major vessels.
  • Composed of fibrous and serous pericardium.
  • Fibrous pericardium is a tough outer layer defining middle mediastinum boundaries.
  • Serous pericardium is thin and has two layers:
    • Parietal layer lines the inner surface of the fibrous pericardium.
    • Visceral layer (epicardium) adheres to the heart.
  • The pericardial cavity is a narrow space between serous layers containing pericardial fluid for heart movement.
  • Phrenic nerves and pericardiacophrenic vessels supply and innervate the fibrous pericardium.

Fibrous Pericardium

  • Cone-shaped bag with base on diaphragm and apex continuous with major vessel adventitia.
  • Attached to:
    • Central tendon and a muscular diaphragm area (left).
    • Posterior sternum via sternopericardial ligaments.
  • These attachments maintain heart position and limit cardiac distention.
  • The fibrous pericardium is supplied by the phrenic nerves, originating from spinal cord levels C3-C5, and by blood vessels, including the pericardiacophrenic vessels

Serous Pericardium

  • Parietal layer is continuous with the visceral layer at major vessel roots.
  • Supplied by branches from the internal thoracic, pericardiacophrenic, musculophrenic, inferior phrenic arteries, and thoracic aorta.
  • Drained by veins that enter the azygos system, internal thoracic, and superior phrenic veins.
  • Supplied by nerves from the vagus (X), sympathetic, and phrenic nerves.

Heart Position

  • Located in the thoracic cavity, within the mediastinum, slightly left of midline.
  • Extends from the second rib to the fifth intercostal space.
  • Base: Upper, near the second rib, angled to the right shoulder (where major vessels emerge).
  • Apex: Pointed end, faces downward, forward, and to the left (at the level of the fifth intercostal space, near the midclavicular line).

Heart Orientation

  • The heart lies more posteriorly at the base.
  • The left side is more anterior and the right side more posterior in the chest.
  • The apex projects downward, forward, and to the left.

Heart Surfaces

  • Anterior (sternocostal): Primarily right ventricle, with some right atrium and some left ventricle.
  • Diaphragmatic (inferior): Left and right ventricles separated by posterior interventricular groove.
  • Pulmonary surfaces (left and right): Broad and convex surfaces facing the lungs; consists of the left ventricle and a portion of the left atrium (left surface), and the right atrium (right surface)

Cardiac Chambers

  • Four chambers: Two atria (thin-walled) and two ventricles (thick-walled).
  • Atria receive blood; ventricles pump blood.
  • Left ventricle is thicker than the right (more force needed to pump to the body).

Heart Valves

  • Tricuspid (right atrioventricular valve) and mitral (left atrioventricular valve) with 3 and 2 cusps, respectively.

Aortic Valve/Pulmonary Valve

  • Aortic valve closes the opening between the left ventricle and the ascending aorta.
  • Pulmonary valve closes the opening between the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk.

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

  • Complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries.
  • Results from atherosclerosis plaque rupture, platelet activation, adhesion, and aggregation.
  • Symptoms include chest pain (pressure, fullness, squeezing), radiating pain, shortness of breath, epigastric discomfort, sweating, and fainting.

Cardiac Conduction System

  • Initiates and coordinates heart muscle contractions.
  • Four basic components: Sino-atrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, atrioventricular bundle (bundle of His) with its right and left bundle branches, and subendocardial plexus of conduction cells (Purkinje fibers).

Arrhythmias

  • Abnormalities in the generation or conduction of electrical impulses in the heart.
  • Can be asymptomatic or cause palpitations, hemodynamic compromise, or cardiac arrest.
  • Diagnosis using electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitor.

Arteries & Veins

  • Arteries carry blood away from the heart (higher pressure, thicker walls, often rounded lumen).
  • Veins carry blood toward the heart (lower pressure, thinner walls, often flattened lumen).
  • Functionally, arteries & veins are arranged in a systemic and pulmonary circuit, and deliver oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
  • Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels where gas exchange with the surrounding tissues occurs.

Capillaries: Structure & Types

  • Microchannels for tissue perfusion.
  • Three types:
    • Continuous: Complete lining with tight junctions; allows passage of water, small molecules.
    • Fenestrated: Pores; permeable to larger molecules (small intestine, kidneys, choroid plexus).
    • Sinusoid: Large gaps and incomplete basement membranes; allows passage of large molecules and even cells (liver, bone marrow).

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Cardiovascular System PDF

Description

Explore the components of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, arteries, and veins. This quiz will help you identify each part and understand blood circulation within the body. Learn how oxygen and nutrients are transported while waste products are removed.

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