Key Terms
What is the sac covering the heart; also called the pericardium?
Pericardial membrane
What is in cardiology, the wall dividing the right and left sides of the heart?
Septum
What determines the type of blood people can receive and to whom they can donate?
Blood type
What is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart?
Artery
What is the circulation of blood between the chambers of the heart and the heart tissue itself; part of systemic circulation?
Coronary circuit
The outermost layer of the heart; contains the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart (coronary arteries)?
Epicardium
What is the two upper chambers of the heart (singular: atrium)?
Atria
What is the heart valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery; also called the mitral valve?
Bicuspid valve
What is the puncture of a patient’s skin for the purpose of collecting a blood specimen from the capillaries beneath the puncture site; also called dermal puncture?
Capillary bed
What is the circulation of blood between the heart and the rest of the body (except the lungs)?
Systemic circuit
What is the middle and thickest layer of the heart; made up of cells capable of continuous rhythmic contraction?
Myocardium
What is the two lower chambers of the heart?
Ventricles
What is the heart valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta; also called the aortic semilunar valve?
Aortic valve
What is a large vein that carries blood to the heart from the legs and trunk?
Inferior vena cava
What is the air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged?
Alveoli
What is the arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the heart?
Coronary arteries
What is the heart valve located between the right atrium and the right ventricle; also called the right atrioventricular valve?
Tricuspid valve
What is the pathway of electrical impulses?
Cardiac conduction system:
What is one of the largest veins in the body; returns oxygen-depleted blood from the upper body to the heart?
Superior vena cava
What is the liquid portion of blood?
Plasma
What is the thin, innermost layer of the heart; forms a smooth, elastic surface that allows blood to flow without stopping or clotting?
Endocardium
What is the heart valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery; also called the pulmonary semilunar valve?
Pulmonary valve
What is a recording in visible form of the electrical activity of the heart; also called an ECG.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
What is the circulation of blood between the heart and the lungs?
Pulmonary circuit
What is the solid portion of blood?
Formed elements