what is cardiology?
The study of the heart and diseases associated with it
where is the heart in the body?
- rests on the diaphragm, near the midline of the thoracic cavity
- lies in the mediastinum
- 2/3 of the heart lies to the left of the body’s midline
what is the apex of the heart?
- the tip of the left ventricle
- rests on the diaphragm
- directed anteriorly, inferiorly, and to the left
what is the base of the heart?
- opposite the apex
- posterior aspect
- formed by the atria, mostly the left atrium
What is the mediastinum?
The broad median partition between the pleurae of the lungs that extends from the sternum to the vertebral column in the thoracic cavity
what are the distinct surfaces of the heart?
- anterior: deep to the sternum and ribs
- inferior: between the apex and right surface and rests mostly on the diaphragm
- right: faces the right lung and extends from the inferior surface to the base
- left: faces the left lung and extends from the base to the apex
what is the pericardium?
A loose‐fitting membrane that encloses and protects the heart, consisting of a superficial fibrous layer and a deep serous layer
- confines the heart to its position in the mediastinum, while allowing sufficient freedom of movement for vigorous and rapid contraction
what is the fibrous pericardium?
- superficial part of pericardium
- composed of tough, inelastic, dense irregular connective tissue
- rests on & attaches to diaphragm
what is the function of the fibrous pericardium?
- prevents overstretching of the heart
- provides protection
- anchors the heart in the mediastinum
how does the act of deep breathing and the fibrous pericardium contribute to movement of blood by the heart?
The fibrous pericardium near the apex of the heart is partially fused to the central tendon of the diaphragm and therefore movement of the diaphragm, as in deep breathing, facilitates the movement of blood by the heart
what is CPR?
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- emergency procedure for establishing a normal heartbeat and rate of breathing
- pressure on the chest (compression) can be used to force blood out of the heart into circulation
what is CAB?
Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing
acronym used for CPR
what is the serous pericardium?
- thinner, more delicate mesothelial membrane that forms a double layer around the heart
- two parts: parietal and visceral serous pericardium
what is the parietal serous pericardium?
serous pericardium part that lines the inside of the fibrous pericardium
what is the visceral serous pericardium?
epicardium
- one of the layers of the heart wall and adheres tightly to the surface of the heart
what is between the parietal and visceral serous pericardium?
- lubricating serous fluid, AKA pericardial fluid
- secretion of pericardial cells
- reduces friction between the layers of the serous pericardium as the heart moves
what is the pericardial cavity?
Small potential space between the visceral and parietal layers of the serous pericardium that contains pericardial fluid
what is pericarditis?
inflammation of the pericardium
