Cardiovascular System

 Learning objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

• Describe the function of the cardiovascular system
• Describe the gross anatomy of the heart
• Describe the flow of blood through the heart
• Detail the process of electrical and mechanical events in a cardiac cycle
• Explain an ECG trace in relation to the cardiac cycle
• Explain the different heart sounds
• Explain cardiac output and factors that influence it
• Describe the autonomic nervous system influence on heart rate and stroke volume
• Explain the baroreceptor reflex
• List the types and function of blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries)
• Define blood pressure, diastolic pressure, systolic pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure
• Explain the regulatory mechanisms for mean arterial pressure
• Describe autoregulation of blood flow