Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology

342 Chapter 14

Career

Focus

These are careers that are available to individuals who are interested in the cardiovascular

system.

●● Cardiologists are physicians whose specialty training is in diagnosing and treat-ing

the disorders of the heart. Further training can result in a career as a cardiac surgeon.

●● Cardiovascular technologists are allied health professionals who, under the

direction- of a physician, perform diagnostic examinations on patients for -peripheral

vascular studies and invasive and noninvasive cardiology.^

●● Electrocardiographic technicians are allied health specialists who operate and

maintain electrocardiographic equipment, which records the electrical impulse of the

heart. These technicians provide recorded data on heart performance for re-view by a

physician.^

●● Cardiac sonographers are allied health professionals with training in cardio-vascular

technology who take pictures of patients’ hearts utilizing ultrasound technology­.

Those pictures are then reviewed by a physician for diagnosis.

Lymphatic System

●● The lymphatic system drains and returns interstitial
fluids back to the bloodstream.^
●● Blood transports lymphocytes and antibodies.
●● The immune system protects the heart and blood
vessels from foreign microbes.

Digestive System

●● The digestive system breaks down food and nutrients
into forms that can be absorbed and transported by the

bloodstream.^
●● Iron and the B vitamins are provided by the digestive
system for red blood cell formation.

Respiratory System

●● The respiratory system provides lungs for the exchange
of oxygen and carbon dioxide with the red blood cells.^
●● Respiratory movements aid in venous blood return to
the heart.

Urinary System

●● The kidneys filter the blood of wastes, excess electro-
lytes, and water.^
●● The kidneys help control blood volume and blood
pressure.^
●● Blood pressure helps maintain kidney function.

Reproductive System

●● Increases in blood volume to the penis maintains an

erection.^

●● Estrogen maintains vascular health in females.

Summary Outline

Introduction

1. The heart, blood, and the blood vessels of the body
   constitute the cardiovascular system.^


2. The cardiac muscle of the heart is the pumping
   organ- of the system.^


3. The function of the system is the transportation of
   blood.

The Anatomy of The Heart

1. The heart is situated in the mediastinum sur-
   rounded by the pericardial sac.^


2. The pericardial sac is composed of two layers. The
   outer layer is the fibrous pericardium, made of tough
   fibrous connective tissue. It anchors the heart in the
   mediastinum and prevents overdistention of the heart.^


3. The inner layer of the pericardial sac is the serous
   pericardium. It is thin and delicate and is also called
   the parietal layer.