Human Anatomy: The Cardiovascular System
This flashcard deck covers the essential anatomy and basic physiology of the human cardiovascular system. Students will learn about the heart's structure, blood flow pathways, major blood vessels, and key components necessary for circulation. It's designed to reinforce core concepts frequently tested in introductory anatomy courses.
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What are the three main components of the cardiovascular system?
The heart, the blood vessels and the blood.
What are the four chambers of the heart?
Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium and left ventricle.
How do the atria and ventricles differ in function?
Atria receive blood and fill the ventricles; ventricles pump blood out to the lungs or body.
Which valve lies between the right atrium and right ventricle?
The tricuspid valve.
Which valve lies between the left atrium and left ventricle?
The mitral (bicuspid) valve.
Which valves guard the exits of the ventricles?
The pulmonary valve (right ventricle) and the aortic valve (left ventricle).
What does the pulmonary circulation do?
Carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood to the heart.
What does the systemic circulation do?
Carries oxygenated blood to the body's tissues and returns deoxygenated blood to the heart.
Trace blood from the venae cavae to the aorta.
Right atrium → tricuspid → right ventricle → pulmonary valve → pulmonary arteries → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium → mitral → left ventricle → aortic valve → aorta.
What defines an artery?
It carries blood away from the heart — usually oxygenated, except in the pulmonary arteries.
What defines a vein?
It carries blood toward the heart — usually deoxygenated, except in the pulmonary veins.
What happens in capillaries?
Exchange of oxygen, nutrients and wastes between blood and tissues.
What are the components of blood?
Plasma plus formed elements: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
What is the heart's natural pacemaker, and where is it?
The sinoatrial (SA) node, in the wall of the right atrium.
What is blood pressure?
The force of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries.