Anatomy of the Heart Flashcards
7 cards from real Anatomy Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Anatomy of the Heart flashcards as text
Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the actual pumping action?
Answer: Myocardium
The myocardium is the thick muscular middle layer of the heart wall that contracts to pump blood.
What is the name of the depression on the interatrial septum that represents the remnant of the fetal foramen ovale?
Answer: Fossa ovalis
The fossa ovalis is an oval-shaped depression in the right atrium's interatrial septum, marking where the foramen ovale closed after birth.
Which coronary artery supplies the SA node in most individuals?
Answer: Right coronary artery
The right coronary artery supplies the SA node in approximately 60% of individuals.
The moderator band (septomarginal trabecula) carries which structure across the right ventricular cavity?
Answer: Part of the right bundle branch
The moderator band carries the right bundle branch of the cardiac conduction system from the interventricular septum to the anterior papillary muscle.
Which surface of the heart rests on the diaphragm?
Answer: Inferior (diaphragmatic) surface
The inferior (diaphragmatic) surface of the heart, formed mainly by the left ventricle, rests on the diaphragm.
What prevents backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle?
Answer: Aortic semilunar valve
The aortic semilunar valve closes during ventricular relaxation (diastole) to prevent backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle.
Which chamber of the heart has the thickest wall and why?
Answer: Left ventricle, because it pumps blood against high systemic resistance
The left ventricle has the thickest wall (~11–14 mm) because it must generate sufficient pressure to pump blood through the entire systemic circulation.