Cardiovascular System Concepts

Front

What prevents blood from flowing back into the atria when the ventricles contract?

Back

tricuspid and bicuspid valves

Front

When blood leaves this chamber of the heart, it heads out to the body (not the lungs)

Back

left ventricle

Front

One of the body's largest blood vessels that transports blood from the body region below the diaphragm to the heart

Back

inferior vena cava

Front

When this chamber contracts, it pushes blood through the tricuspid valve

Back

right atria

Front

This initiates the action potential that causes the heart to beat

Back

Sinoatrial node (SA node)

Front

When blood leaves this chamber of the heart, it heads to the lungs

Back

right ventricle

Front

This chamber of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs

Back

left atrium

Front

These are the smallest blood vessels with the thinnest walls in order to maximize diffusion of nutrients in and out of the interstitial fluid.

Back

capillaries

Front

These carry blood towards the heart

Back

veins

Front

These carry blood away from the heart

Back

Arteries