Medical Terminology & Anatomy Flashcards

The term 'atherosclerosis' specifically refers to:

Answer: Buildup of plaque (lipid deposits) within arterial walls

Atherosclerosis is characterized by subendothelial accumulation of lipids, inflammatory cells, and fibrous tissue forming plaques in arterial walls.

The 'tricuspid valve' is named for its:

Answer: Three leaflets (cusps)

The tricuspid valve has three leaflets (anterior, posterior, and septal) and separates the right atrium from the right ventricle.

Which term describes an abnormal outpouching or bulging of a weakened vessel or cardiac wall?

Answer: Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a localized dilation or bulge in a vessel wall caused by weakness in the wall structure.

The 'coronary sulcus' (atrioventricular groove) anatomically marks the boundary between:

Answer: The atria and ventricles

The coronary sulcus is an external groove that encircles the heart and separates the atria above from the ventricles below.

The medical term 'diaphoresis' frequently associated with acute MI means:

Answer: Profuse sweating

Diaphoresis refers to excessive, often cold sweating and is a classic sympathetic nervous system response seen in acute MI.

The 'Frank-Starling mechanism' in cardiac physiology relates to:

Answer: Increased contractile force with greater ventricular preload (stretch)

The Frank-Starling law states that stroke volume increases in response to increased end-diastolic volume (preload), up to a physiologic limit.

The term 'palpitation' in cardiovascular symptom terminology refers to:

Answer: An uncomfortable awareness of one's own heartbeat

Palpitations are the subjective sensation of an irregular, rapid, or forceful heartbeat noticed by the patient.