CHAPTER 10

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Structure and Function

Functions of the cardiovascular system
Transports nutrients and oxygen to the body Transports waste products from the cells to the kidneys for excretion Distributes hormones and antibodies throughout the body Helps control body temperature and maintain electrolyte balance
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Heart
Two-sided, double pump Weighs less than a pound Little bigger than a fist Located between the lungs in the thoracic cavity Positioned partially to the left of the sternum
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Figure 10-2A Structures of the Heart

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Tissue Layers of the Heart

Endocardium
Smooth layer of cells lining the inside of the heart and forming the valves

Myocardium
The thickest layer, consisting of muscle tissue

Pericardium
Double membrane that covers the outside of the heart, providing lubrication between the heart and surrounding structures to prevent tissue damage

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Blood Vessels
Arteries
Carry blood away from the heart

Veins
Carry blood back to the heart

Capillaries
Microscopic vessels that carry blood between the arterial and venous vessels
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Figure 10-4 Blood Vessels

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment Techniques
Measuring pulse and blood pressure Listening to heart sounds Determining cardiac output Measuring muscle activity with electrocardiography Inserting a cardiac catheter Using echocardiography
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disorders of the Cardiovascular System

Aneurysm
An area of a blood vessel that bulges because of a weakness in the wall

Atherosclerosis
A narrowing of blood vessels caused by deposits of fatty material containing calcium and cholesterol

Cardiac arrhythmia
A disturbance of the hearts rhythm caused by a defect in the hearts pacemaker cells or by damage to heart tissue
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disorders of the Cardiovascular System (continued)

Cardiovascular disease
A general term for the combined effects of arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, and related conditions called coronary artery disease

Congenital heart disease

A group of disorders that affect about 25,000 newborns each year in the united states

Congestive heart failure

The inability of the heart to pump blood adequately to meet the bodys needs
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disorders of the Cardiovascular System (continued)

Hypertension
High blood pressure

Myocardial infarction
Known as a heart attack

Phlebitis
An inflammation of a vein, often with formation of a clot

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disorders of the Cardiovascular System (continued)

Rheumatic heart disease
A condition in which the heart muscle and valves are damaged by a recurrent bacterial infection that usually begins in the throat

Varicose veins
A condition in which veins become enlarged and ineffective

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Issues and Innovations

Heart replacement
First artificial heart, Jarvik-7 AbioCor self-contained artificial heart Heart transplants

Cholesterol controversy
LDL vs. HDL Ways to avoid high cholesterol
Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.