CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Heart, Arteries, Veins, Capillaries

Functions:

 Circulation of blood.

 Delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to tissues of the body.

 Removal of carbon dioxide and other products of cellular metabolism.

ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY:

HEART- the heart is located between the lungs and mediastinal space in the intrathoracic cavity in the
loose-fitting sac called

pericardium.

A. Heart wall

1. Pericardium

 Fibrous pericardium- highly resistant to distention; it prevents acute dilation of the heart chambers
and exerts a
restraining effects on the left ventricle.

 Serous pericardium-is the inner layer. It holds your heart in place in the chest cavity and protects from
infections.

2. Epicardium- also known as visceral pericardium; covers the entire heart and great vessel.

3. Myocardium – middle muscular layer, for the made up of muscular fiber and is responsible for
pumping action.

4. Endocardium – consist of endothelial tissue and lines the inside of the heart and valves. Provides a
smooth surface for the

inside of the heart.

B. Chambers

1. Right side-right atrium and right ventricle- distributes venous blood to the lungs via the pulmonary
artery for

oxygenation.

2. Left side-Left atrium and left ventricle- distributes oxygenated blood to the remainder of the body via
the aorta.

C. Valves
1. Atrioventricular valves- valves that separates atria from ventricle

a. Mitral valve – left side, lies between left atrium and left ventricle

b. Tricuspid valve – right side, separates right atrium from the right ventricle

Functions:

 Permits unidirectional flow of blood from specific atrium to specific ventricle during ventricular
diastole.

 Prevent reflux during ventricular systole

 Valve leaflets open during ventricular diastole and close during ventricular systole