arterioles muscular branches of arteries that when contracted slow blood flow and increase blood pressure.
arteriosclerosis a thickening and loss of elasticity of artery walls, also known as hardening of the arteries.
artery any vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body.
atherosclerosis a form of arteriosclerosis in which the linings of artery walls become thickened with deposits of fats, cholesterol, and other substances collectively known as plaque.
athletic heart syndrome an enlargement of the heart and slowing of heart rate in response to strenuous exercise; may also be accompanied by arrhythmias.
atria the two upper, holding chambers of the heart.
atrioventricular node special conducting tissue of the right atrium through which electrical impulses pass to reach the ventricles.
atrium either of the two upper chambers of the heart in which blood collects before being passed to the ventricles.
balloon angioplasty see angioplasty.
blood clot a clotted mass of blood cells that normally stops the flow of blood at an injury site but can also form inside an artery wall narrowed by disease and cause a heart attack.
blood pressure the force exerted by the heart in pumping blood; the pressure of blood in the arteries.
blue babies infants having bluish skin, a sign of insufficient oxygen in arterial blood and indicating a heart defect.
capillaries tiny blood vessels that distribute blood between the veins and arteries.
cardiac pertaining to the heart.
cardiac arrest the cessation of the beating of the heart.
cardiology the study of heart function and heart disease.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) the emergency procedure of chest compression and mouth- to-mouth breathing to help keep oxygenated blood flowing to the heart and brain in a cardiac arrest victim.
carotid artery either of the two major arteries in the neck that carry blood to the head.
catheterization an examination of the heart by passing of a thin tube (catheter) into a vein or artery and pushing it into the heart area.
cerebral thrombosis formation of a blood clot in an artery that supplies the brain.
cerebrovascular accident also known as stroke or apoplexy, an impeded flow of blood to the brain and its result.
cholesterol a fatty substance present in some foods and also manufactured by the liver; known to clog arteries over time.
cineangiography a motion picture taken of an opaque dye passing through blood vessels.
collateral circulation smaller "standby" arteries normally closed, but that may open to carry blood to the heart when a coronary artery becomes clogged.
congenital heart defect a heart defect present at birth.
congestive heart failure the inability of the heart to efficiently pump all the blood returned to it, causing blood to back up in the veins and fluid to accumulate in body tissues.
coronary arteries the two arteries arising from the aorta that provide blood to the heart muscle.
coronary artery disease narrowing of the coronary arteries that results in reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
coronary bypass surgery surgery to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
coronary occlusion an obstruction in one of the
coronary arteries that slows or reduces blood flow to part of the heart muscle. Also known as coronary thrombosis.
cyanosis blueness of the skin, a sign of insufficient oxygen in the blood.
diastolic blood pressure the lowest blood pressure in the arteries, measured between beats of the heart.
digitalis a drug that strengthens the contraction of the heart muscle, helping to eliminate the accumulation of fluids in body parts related to congestive heart failure.
echocardiography a diagnostic technique using sound pulses and echoes to explore electronically the surfaces of the heart.
edema the accumulation of fluid in body tissues, caused by congestive heart failure.
electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) a read-out of electrical impulses produced by the heart.
embolus a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel in one part of the body and then is carried to another part of the body.
endarterectomy surgical removal of plaque deposits in arteries.
fibrillation rapid, out-of-control contraction of individual heart muscle fibers, resulting in a partial or complete loss of pumping power in the chamber affected.
heart attack death of or damage to part of the heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply.
heart murmur extra "whishing" sound heard with heartbeat, caused by turbulence in bloodstream; a possible sign of disease.
hypertension high blood pressure.
ischemia decreased blood flow to an organ due to a restriction or obstruction of an artery.
ischemic heart disease coronary artery disease and coronary heart disease.
lipid a fatty substance insoluble in blood and partially responsible for clogging arteries.
mitral valve the heart valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.
myocardial infarction heart attack.
myocardial ischemia insufficient blood flow to part of the heart muscle.
myocardium the muscular wall of the heart that contracts and relaxes as it pumps blood.
nitroglycerin a drug that causes blood vessels to widen and therefore increase blood flow, used in the treatment of angina pectoris.
open heart surgery surgery performed on the opened heart while blood flow is diverted through a heart-lung machine.
pericarditis inflammation of the outer membrane surrounding the heart.
pericardium the outer membrane that surrounds the heart.
peripheral vascular disease diseased or clogged arteries and veins in the arms and legs.
plaque deposits of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the linings of arteries.
pulmonary pertaining to the lungs.
pulmonary valve the heart valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
rheumatic heart disease damage to the heart caused by bouts of rheumatic fever.
silent ischemia episodes of ischemia without accompanying pain.
sinoatrial node a mass of cells in the top of the right atrium that produces electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract.
sphygmomanometer an instrument used for measuring blood pressure.
Name
acetabular acromial alveolar angular
aorta,
abdominal
aorta, arch
aorta, thoracic
appendicular
auditory auricular
axillary
stenosis the narrowing or constriction of an opening such as a blood vessel.
Area Supplied
hip joint, top of thighbone shoulder and upper back gums, teeth, and chewing muscles muscles that open and close eyelids; muscles controlling some facial expressions
abdominal wall, diaphragm, abdominal organs, legs
head, neck, arms
chest, lungs, esophagus, diaphragm