The Heart Structures and Functions
Inferior Vena Cava
A large vein carrying deoxygenated blood into the heart. From the lower body.
Superior Vena Cava
A large vein carrying deoxygenated blood into the heart. From the upper body.
Atrioventricular Node (AV Node)
A node of specialized heart muscle located in the septal wall of the right atrium; receives impulses from the sinoatrial node and transmits them to atrioventricular bundle. This node gets electricity from the SA Node, during the time that the AV Node has the electricity the Ventriclse in the heart contract. Known as the QRS Complex (QRS Wave) on an EKG. After this node has the electricity it goes down the Spetum of the heart and around and out of the heart, Known as the T Wave on an EKG.
Electrocardiogram
A record or display of a person's heartbeat, produced by electrocardiography. Otherwise know as an EKG.
Sinoatrial Node (SA Node)
A small body of specialized muscle tissue in the wall of the right atrium of the heart that acts as a pacemaker by producing a contractile signal at regular intervals. It sends electricity currents to the AV Node in the heart. During the time that the SA Node has the electricity, the Atria in the heart contract. Known as the P Wave on an EKG.
Coronary Sinus
A wide venous channel about 2.25 centimeters in length that receives blood from the coronary veins and empties into the right atrium of the heart.
Tricuspid Valve
Also helps with blood flowing through the heart, allows blood flow only from the atrium to the ventricle.
Hypertension
An abnormally high blood pressure.
Hypotension
An abnormally low blood pressure
Syphmomanometer (Sfig-mom-ano- meter)
An instrument for measuring blood pressure, typically consisting of an inflatable rubber cuff that is applied to the arm and connected to a column of mercury next to a graduated scale, enabling the determination of systolic and diastolic blood pressure by increasing and gradually releasing the pressure in the cuff.
Aorta
At the top of the heart and is the main artery of the body, supplying oxygenated blood to the circulatory system. In humans, it passes over the heart from the left ventricle and runs down in front of the backbone.
Repolarization
Becoming polarized again.
Pulmonary Veins
Brings oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
Caitlin Johnson 2nd White
Caitlin Johnson 2nd White
Bicuspid (Mitral) Valve
Helps with blood flowing through the heart.
Brachiocephalic Artery
It supplies blood to the right arm and the head and neck. It is the first branch of the aortic arch, and soon after it emerges, the brachiocephalic artery divides into the right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery. There is no brachiocephalic artery for the left side of the body. The left common carotid, and the left subclavian artery, come directly off the aortic arch. However, there are two brachiocephalic veins.
Left Atrium
Left upper chamber of the heart, blood is passed to the ventricles. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary vein.
Depolarization
Not polarized, a loss of polarity or polarization.
Right Atrium
Right upper chamber of the heart, blood is passed to the ventricles. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the veins of the body
Pulmonary Artery
Sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
Septum
Separates the left and right sides of the heart.
Coronary Artery
Supplies blood to the heart.
P Wave
The P Wave is on an EKG and should be the first bump of each heart beat, the SA Node has electricity and the atria contract.
QRS Complex (Wave)
The QRS Wave is on an EKG and should be the second, three piece mountain looking part of each heart beat. The AV Node has electricity and the ventricles contract.
T Wave
The T Wave is on an EKG and should be the last bump of each heart beat. During this wave the electricity is flowing through the Septum and out of the heart while the heat relaxes.
Diastolic
The bottom number of a blood pressure number. It is the relaxation of the heart. Therefore, this number should be lower than that of the top (Systolic) number.
Apex
The bottom of the heart.
Left Ventricle
The left lower chamber of the heart and pumps blood into the systemic circulation through the aorta.
Pericardium
The membrane enclosing the heart, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner double layer of serous membrane.
Myocardium
The muscular tissue of the heart.
Aortic Valve
The outflow of the right side of the heart
Blood Pressure
The pressure of the blood in the circulatory system, often measured for diagnosis since it is closely related to the force and rate of the heartbeat and the diameter and elasticity of the arterial walls. Blood Pressure is measured with a Sphygmomanometer (Sfig-mom-ano- meter) otherwise know as a blood pressure cuff. Looks like 120/80 (which is the normal blood pressure); it is known as the Systolic/ Diastolic.
Carotid Pulse
The pulse of the carotid artery, palpated by gently pressing a finger in the area between the larynx and the sternocleidomastoid /ster·no·clei·do·mas·toid/ muscle in the neck.
Radial Pulse
The pulse of the radial artery. It can be felt on the inside of the wrist.
Heart Rate
The rate at which the heart beats; usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of a person's health. Can be heard as Lub-Dub. Can be measured by taking a pulse on the wrist or neck, or by a Stethoscope.
Right Ventricle
The right lower chamber of the heart and pumps blood into the pulmonary circulation to the lungs
Systolic
The top number of a blood pressure number. It is the contraction of the heart. Therefore this number should be higher than that of the bottom (Diastolic) number.
Pulmonary Valve
a semilunar valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery; prevents blood from flowing from the artery back into the heart
