Cardiovascular System Flashcards

Front

Pericardium

Back

A protective sac of tissue surrounding the heart.

Front

Heart Wall Layers

Back

1. Epicardium: Outside layer, parietal pericardium (connective tissue). 2. Myocardium: Middle cardiac muscle layer. 3. Endocardium: Inner layer of endothelial cells (endothelium).

Front

Sinoatrial Node (SA Node)

Back

Group of cardiac muscle cells where the contraction begins; acts as a pacemaker.

Front

Heart Contraction Process

Back

1. SA node (pacemaker). 2. Network of fibers in the atria (blood flows into ventricles). 3. Atrioventricular node (bundle of fibers). 4. Network of fibers in the ventricles (blood flows out of the heart).

Front

Great Vessels: Aorta

Back

Leaves left ventricle and carries blood away from the heart to body tissues; largest artery.

Front

Pulmonary Arteries

Back

Right ventricle to lungs; only artery with oxygen-poor blood.

Front

Arteries Function

Back

Carry blood away from the heart.

Front

Atherosclerosis

Back

Plaque/fatty deposits build up on artery walls. Increases the risk of heart attack and stroke

Front

Heart Attack Causes

Back

Coronary arteries are blocked by plaques/fatty deposits; coronary arteries bring O₂ & nutrients to the heart muscle.

Front

Hypertension

Back

High blood pressure may weaken or damage the heart muscle and blood vessels; Increases the risk of heart attack and stroke