Cardiac physiology
Cardiac Physiology
Cardiac physiology (pronounced: /kɑːrˈdiæk fɪziˈɒlədʒi/) refers to the study of the functioning of the heart. The term is derived from the Greek words kardia, meaning heart, and physiologia, meaning the study of nature.
Structure
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It is divided into four chambers: the left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle, and right ventricle. The atria receive blood from the body and lungs, while the ventricles pump blood out to the body and lungs.
Function
The primary function of the heart is to pump blood and deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. This is accomplished through a process known as the cardiac cycle, which includes the phases of systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation).
Regulation
The heart's function is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which includes the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate and contractility, while the parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate and contractility.
Related Terms
- Cardiology: The branch of medicine that deals with diseases and abnormalities of the heart.
- Electrocardiogram: A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
- Cardiac output: The amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in a minute.
- Heart rate: The number of heartbeats per unit of time, usually per minute.
- Stroke volume: The amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle of the heart in one contraction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cardiac physiology
- Wikipedia's article - Cardiac physiology
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