Cardiovascular System PDF

# **Cardiovascular System** ## **Introduction** * The cardiovascular system is composed of the heart and blood vessels and is responsible for the circulation of blood throughout the body. * Blood travels through this system to the body's tissues, where it delivers oxygen and nutrients, and pic...

# **Cardiovascular System** ## **Introduction** * The cardiovascular system is composed of the heart and blood vessels and is responsible for the circulation of blood throughout the body. * Blood travels through this system to the body's tissues, where it delivers oxygen and nutrients, and picks up waste products to be eliminated. * This system forms a continuous circuit that carries out this process continuously. ## **Location** * The heart is located slightly to the left of the body, sitting between the right and left lungs. * The left lung is slightly smaller to accommodate for the space the heart requires in the left chest. ## **Heart Wall** * The heart wall is made up of three layers: * **Endocardium:** The thin innermost layer of the heart that covers chambers and valves. * **Myocardium:** The thick muscular middle layer of the heart wall. * **Epicardium:** The thin outermost layer of the heart wall. ## **Pericardium** * The pericardium is the fibrous sac that surrounds the heart and is present to: * Lubricate its movement against structures within the chest. * Keep the heart's position stabilized within the chest. * Protect the heart from infection. ## **Parts of the Heart** * The heart contains **four chambers:** * **Two upper chambers:** Atria (singular: atrium) receive blood returning to the heart from the body. * **Two lower chambers:** Ventricles (singular: ventricle) pump blood out to the lungs and body. * The chambers are divided by walls called **septa**. * The **interatrial septum** separates the two atria. * The **interventricular septum** separates the two ventricles. * The heart also contains valves that ensure blood flows in the correct direction. * **Tricuspid valve:** Located between the right atrium and right ventricle. * **Mitral valve (bicuspid valve):** Located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. * The heart pumps blood through two circuits: * **Pulmonary circuit:** The right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs to be re-oxygenated. * **Systemic circuit:** The left side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. ## **Cardiovascular Disorders** ### **Diagnostic Terms** * **Cardiac arrest:** Cessation of effective heart action. * The heart stops beating effectively. * **Endocarditis:** Inflammation of the lining layer of the heart wall. * **Pericarditis:** Inflammation of the covering membrane of the heart. * **Cardiac arrhythmias:** Irregularities of heart action, including disturbances of rhythm. * **Atherosclerosis:** Development of fatty patches (plaques) in the lining of arteries, causing narrowing of the lumen and hardening of the vessel wall. ### **Symptomatic Terms** * **Tachycardia:** Rapid heart beats. * **Bradycardia:** Slow heart beats. * **Angina pectoris:** A feeling of constriction around the heart or pain that may radiate to the left arm or shoulder, usually brought on by exertion. * Caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart. * **Vasoconstriction:** A narrowing of the vascular lumen. * **Vasodilatation:** A widening of the vascular lumen. ### **Procedure Terms** * **Sphygmomanometer:** An instrument for measuring blood pressure. * **Stethoscope:** An instrument for listening to sounds within the body. * **Electrocardiograph:** An instrument used to record heart beats. * **Cardiac resuscitation:** Restoration of heart beats by drugs or electrical stimulation. * The heart is brought back to life using medication or electrical shocks. * **Cardiopulmonary resuscitation:** Heart-lung revival achieved by establishing respiration and circulatory function. * This is a life-saving procedure that uses mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions to restart a stopped heart and lungs. ### **Operative Terms** * **Thrombectomy:** Removal of thrombus (blood clot). * **Embolectomy:** Removal of embolus (a traveling blood clot). ## **Conclusion** This document is a great resource for understanding the cardiovascular system and some of its common disorders. It is important to remember that this is just a basic overview, and many more details and complexities exist within this complex system. If you have any concerns about your cardiovascular health, please consult with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.