Chapter 20: Cardiovascular System: The Heart

Chapter Objectives

  1. Describe the size, shape, and location of the heart.
  2. Describe the structure and function of the pericardium.
  3. Describe the histology of the three major layers of the heart.
  4. Describe the external and internal anatomy of the heart.
  5. Discuss the similarities and differences between cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle.
  6. Describe the conducting system of the heart.
  7. Explain why Purkinje fibers conduct action potentials more rapidly than other cardiac muscle cells.
  8. State the differences between slow and fast channels in cardiac muscle, and describe action potentials in cardiac muscle.
  9. Define the term autorhythmicity, and explain how the sinoatrial node functions as the pacemaker.
  10. Explain the importance of a refractory period in cardiac muscle.
  11. Explain the various features of an electrocardiogram and the events that those features reflect.
  12. Explain the various components of the cardiac cycle, including systole, diastole, and the heart sounds.
  13. Explain the bases of the major heart sounds.
  14. Describe the aortic pressure curve.
  15. List the major factors involved in the intrinsic regulation of the heart, and describe the major functions of each factor.
  16. List the major factors involved in the extrinsic regulation of the heart, and describe the major functions of each factor.
  17. Describe the differences between sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation on heart function.
  18. Discuss the role of the heart in homeostasis and how changes in blood pressure, pH, carbon dioxide, oxygen, ions, and temperature affect the heart.

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