Cardiovascular system medical terms

pulmonary arteries

• Blood vessels that derive from the pulmonary trunk and which enter the corresponding lungs.

• Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

• Blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle itself.

• Blood vessels that transport deoxygenated blood from the body to the lungs.

bundle of His (BUN-duhl OF HISS)

• A slender bundle of modified cardiac muscle that conducts electrical impulses from the AV node to the left and right bundle branches.

• A type of blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.

• A group of cells responsible for producing hormones in the heart.

• A structure that connects the heart to the lungs for gas exchange.

blood pressure (BLUD PRESH-ur)

• The pressure exerted by the blood against the wall of an artery or vein.

• The amount of blood pumped by the heart in one minute.

• The resistance of blood flow in the circulatory system.

• The volume of blood in the body at any given time.

atrioventricular (AV) valves (ay-tree-oh-ven-TRIK-yoo-ler VALVZ)

• Valves located between the atrial and ventricular chambers in the right and left sides of the heart.

• Valves that prevent backflow of blood into the atria during ventricular contraction.

• Valves that separate the left atrium from the left ventricle.

• Valves that regulate blood flow from the lungs to the left atrium.

left atrium (LEFT AY-tree-um)

• The atrium of the left side of the heart.

• The chamber that receives deoxygenated blood from the body.

• The main pumping chamber of the heart.

• The atrium of the right side of the heart.

nodal system (NOH-duhl SIS-tum)

• A system responsible for electrical current conduction in the heart.

• A network of blood vessels in the brain.

• A type of muscle tissue found in the heart.

• A system that regulates blood pressure.

antigen (AN-tih-jen)

• A substance that is harmful, or perceived as harmful, to the body; typically bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins.

• A type of white blood cell that fights infections.

• A vaccine that prevents diseases caused by viruses.

• A chemical that neutralizes toxins in the body.

capillaries (KAP-ih-lair-eez)

• Small, thin-walled blood vessels with semipermeable membranes to allow for gas exchange.

• Large, thick-walled blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

• Blood vessels that transport lymphatic fluid throughout the body.

• Narrow tubes that connect arteries and veins, primarily for nutrient absorption.

What is the atrioventricular (AV) node?

• A small node of modified cardiac muscle fibers at the junction of the atria and ventricles.

• A type of blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.

• A chamber of the heart that receives deoxygenated blood from the body.

• A valve that prevents backflow of blood into the atria.

plasma

• The liquid component of blood.

• A type of blood cell responsible for oxygen transport.

• A solid component of blood involved in clotting.

• A type of protein found in blood plasma.