Cardiopulm anatomy

The (fibrous or serous) pericardium is a tough external layer of the pericardium that protects the heart against sudden overfilling because it is so closely related to the great vessels of the heart.

If extensive pericardial effusion exists (d/t whatever reason), the compromised volume of the fibrous pericardium does not allow for full expansion of the heart; therefore, the amount of blood the heart receives is decreased and cardiac output (CO) becomes compromised. What medical condition is this?

T/F. Arteries are not thicker than veins.

• False

• True

The nerve supply of the pericardium is (I want the name of the nerve AND the nerve roots)

Select the MOST correct pathway of circulation

• inferior vena cava --> right atrium --> left atrium --> right ventricle --> left ventricle --> aorta

• right atrium --> right ventricle --> pulmonary circulation --> left atrium --> left ventricle

• superior vena cava --> right atrium --> tricuspid valve --> right ventricle --> left ventricle --> left atrium

• left ventricle --> bicuspid valve --> left atrium --> pulmonary circulation --> right ventricle --> right atrium

Answer explanation

venous circulation - vena cava - RA - tricuspid - RV - pulm circ - LA - LV - systemic circ

The right atrium receives blood from which vessels?

• inferior vena cava

• superior vena cava

• coronary sinus

• brachiocephalic vein

• subclavian vein

What are the purpose of pectinate muscles?

• to create turbulence for blood flow to reduce chance of clotting

• to separate the transition between atria and ventricle

• no real function

• irregular muscle elevations that direct blood flow through the atria

Answer explanation

Trabeculae carneae - irregular muscle elevations (prevent suction of blood to the walls of the heart chambers)

chordae tendoneae - "heart strings" (help the valves do their function)

Right Ventricle

1 - Which valve connects the RA to the RV (tricuspid or mitral)

2 - Which stage of blood flow is this valve OPEN (systole or diastole)

List the semilunar valves and the atrioventricular valves

When are the ATRIOVENTRICULAR valves OPEN?

• systole

• diastole

• P wave

• QRS complex