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pericardial membrane
the sac covering the heart; also called the pericardium.
epicardium
the outermost layer of the heart; contains the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart (coronary arteries).
coronary arteries
the arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the heart.
myocardium
the middle and thickest layer of the heart; made up of cells capable of continuous rhythmic contraction.
endocardium
the thin, innermost layer of the heart; forms a smooth, elastic surface that allows blood to flow without stopping or clotting.
septum
in cardiology, the wall dividing the right and left sides of the heart.
atria
the two upper chambers of the heart (singular: atrium).
ventricles
the two lower chambers of the heart.
tricuspid valve
the heart valve located between the right atrium and the right ventricle; also called the right atrioventricular valve.
pulmonary valve
the heart valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery; also called the pulmonary semilunar valve.
bicuspid valve
the heart valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery; also called the mitral valve.
aortic valve
the heart valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta; also called the aortic semilunar valve.
cardiac conduction system
the pathway of electrical impulses
electrocardiogram (EKG)
a recording in visible form of the electrical activity of the heart; also called an ECG.
artery
a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.
capillary bed
the puncture of a patient’s skin for the purpose of collecting a blood specimen from the capillaries beneath the puncture site; also called dermal puncture.
