Cardiovascular System Flashcard

Front

What is the cardiovascular system compared to in terms of transportation?

Back

Roads and railways

Answer explanation

The cardiovascular system functions like roads and railways, transporting blood (like vehicles) throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and removing waste, similar to how transportation networks facilitate movement.

Front

What is the role of the parietal layer of the serous pericardium?

Back

To line the interior of the fibrous pericardium

Answer explanation

The parietal layer of the serous pericardium serves to line the interior of the fibrous pericardium, providing a smooth surface that reduces friction as the heart beats, unlike the other options which do not relate to its function.

Front

What is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium also called?

Back

Epicardium

Answer explanation

The visceral layer of the serous pericardium is also known as the epicardium. It directly covers the heart, while the myocardium refers to the heart muscle and the endocardium lines the heart chambers.

Front

What are the receiving chambers of the heart called?

Back

Atria

Answer explanation

The receiving chambers of the heart are called the atria. They collect blood returning to the heart, while the ventricles are the discharging chambers that pump blood out of the heart.

Front

Which layer of the heart wall is the same as the visceral layer of the pericardium?

Back

Epicardium

Answer explanation

The epicardium is the outer layer of the heart wall and is synonymous with the visceral layer of the pericardium, providing a protective layer around the heart. The endocardium and myocardium are different layers.

Front

How many cusps does the right AV valve have?

Back

Three

Answer explanation

The right atrioventricular (AV) valve, also known as the tricuspid valve, has three cusps. This structure allows it to effectively regulate blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.

Front

What happens to the semilunar valves when ventricles contract?

Back

Blood is pushed up against semilunar valves, forcing them open.

Answer explanation

When the ventricles contract, pressure increases, pushing blood against the semilunar valves. This force opens the valves, allowing blood to flow into the arteries. Thus, the correct answer is that blood is pushed up against semilunar valves, forcing them open.

Front

What happens to the semilunar valves when intraventricular pressure falls?

Back

The semilunar valves close.

Answer explanation

When intraventricular pressure falls, the pressure in the ventricles decreases, causing the semilunar valves to close to prevent backflow of blood from the arteries into the ventricles.

Front

What prevents backflow into the atria when the ventricles are contracting?

Back

AV valves

Answer explanation

The AV valves prevent backflow into the atria during ventricular contraction by closing tightly, ensuring that blood flows from the ventricles into the arteries and not back into the atria.

Front

Term for a heart attack

Back

Myocardial infarction

Answer explanation

The term for a heart attack is 'Myocardial infarction'. This condition occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to damage of the heart muscle.