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 structure marks the external boundary between the atria and ventricles on the surface of the heart?
Answer: Coronary sulcus (atrioventricular groove)
The coronary sulcus (atrioventricular groove) is the external groove encircling the heart that separates the atria from the ventricles.
The apex of the heart is formed by which chamber, and where does it point?
Answer: Left ventricle; points inferiorly, anteriorly, and to the left
The apex of the heart is formed by the left ventricle and points inferiorly, anteriorly, and to the left, typically located at the 5th intercostal space in the midclavicular line.
Which heart valve is best auscultated at the 5th left intercostal space, midclavicular line?
Answer: Mitral valve
The mitral valve (left AV valve) is best heard at the cardiac apex — 5th left intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
The great cardiac vein runs in which sulcus?
Answer: Anterior interventricular sulcus
The great cardiac vein ascends in the anterior interventricular sulcus alongside the left anterior descending artery before continuing in the coronary sulcus.
Which portion of the interventricular septum is primarily membranous (fibrous) rather than muscular?
Answer: The small superior portion near the fibrous skeleton
The membranous part of the interventricular septum is a small, thin fibrous area located superiorly near the fibrous skeleton; the remaining majority is thick muscular septum.
During ventricular systole, which valves are open?
Answer: Aortic and pulmonary valves
During ventricular systole, increased intraventricular pressure closes the AV valves and opens the semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonary), ejecting blood into the great vessels.
Which structure transmits the cardiac impulse from the atria to the ventricles through the fibrous skeleton?
Answer: Atrioventricular (AV) node and bundle of His
The AV node collects the impulse from the atria, delays it briefly, and then conducts it through the bundle of His — the only electrical pathway piercing the fibrous skeleton into the ventricles.