Heart Anatomy
What chamber of the heart receives oxygen-poor blood from the body?
Right atrium
What blood vessel brings oxygen-poor blood from the upper body to the heart?
Superior vena cava
Which vessels carry blood away from the heart?
Arteries
What is the main function of the circulatory system?
To deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove waste
Why is the median cubital vein preferred for venipuncture?
It's centrally located, large, and has fewer nerves nearby
What valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle?
Tricuspid valve
After passing through the lungs, blood enters which heart chamber?
Left atrium
Which type of vessel is responsible for gas and nutrient exchange?
Capillaries
What is the liquid portion of blood called?
Plasma
What condition may cause pooling of blood in the legs due to faulty valves in veins?
Varicose veins
What structure separates the left and right sides of the heart?
Septum
Which vessels carry blood away from the heart to the lungs?
Pulmonary arteries
What vessels return blood to the heart?
Veins
What cells are responsible for clotting blood?
Platelets (Thrombocytes)
What is the risk of puncturing an artery instead of a vein?
Excessive bleeding, hematoma, or nerve damage
Which heart chamber pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body?
Left ventricle
What is the correct order of blood flow through the heart starting with the right atrium?
Right atrium → Right ventricle → Lungs → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Body
What vein is most commonly used for routine venipuncture?
Median cubital vein
What part of the blood carries oxygen?
Red blood cells (Hemoglobin)
Why must phlebotomists be cautious around the basilic vein?
It's near arteries and major nerves
What is the name of the outer layer that surrounds and protects the heart?
Pericardium
What vessel carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body?
Aorta
Which artery is commonly palpated for a pulse in emergencies?
Carotid artery
What part of the autonomic nervous system increases heart rate?
Sympathetic nervous system
What heart condition may require INR monitoring and regular PT testing?
Atrial fibrillation or patients on Warfarin (Coumadin)