Cardiovascular Study Guide

1. What is the purpose of the cardiovascular system?
The purpose of the cardiovascular system is to keep a steady circulation of blood and to transport vital nutrients throughout the body.
2. Where is the heart located?
The heart is located under the sternum in the chest, below the nipples, towards the left side.
3. What is the shape of the heart?
The shape of the heart is an upside-down pear.
4. What is the size of the heart?
The heart is the size of a fist.
5. Name the three layers of the outer layer of the heart.
The three layers of the heart wall are the epicardium, myocardium and endocardium
6. What does the pericardium consist of? What is the outer layer of the pericardium called?
The pericardium consists of 3 layers and serous fluid. The outer layer is called the fibrous pericardium.
7. Name the 4 chambers of the heart.
Right and Left Atrium, and the Right and Left Ventricle are the 4 chambers of the heart.
8. What valve lies between the right atrium and the right ventricle?
The Tricuspid valve is between the R atrium and R ventricle.
9. What valve lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle? Why does this valve close?
The Mitral valve is between the L atrium and L ventricle. It closes to prevent backflow from aorta and pulmonary trunk into ventricles.
10. What large veins supply blood to the right atrium?
Superior and inferior vena cava are the large veins that take blood to the right atrium.
11. Where does the blood come from when entering the right atrium?
Blood comes from the upper and lower body (everywhere but lungs) when entering the right atrium.
12. What do veins do?
Veins take blood to the heart.
13. What do arteries do?
Arteries take blood away from the heart.