ipCD – Cardiovascular - Cardiac Action Potentials, the Cardiac Cycle and Cardiac Output

Benjamin Cummings. InterActive Physiology® 8-System Suite CD-ROM, Benjamin Cummings, 2004.

Objective:

To explain in short essays or with diagrams the ionic basis of pacemaker potentials and action potentials, the phases of the cardiac cycle, and the inter-relationship among cardiac output, heart rate, end diastolic volume and end systolic volume and their control by neurotransmitters and hormones, at the level of 85% proficiency for each student.

 

In order to achieve this objective, you will need to be able to:

  1. Explain the ionic basis of pacemaker potentials and action potentials in autorhythmic cells, and the basis of action potentials in contractile cells, including the role of various ion channels.
  2. Describe the phases of the cardiac cycle, the pressure changes that determine valve action and direction of blood flow through the heart.
  3. Relate the ECG and heart sounds to events of the cardiac cycle
  4. Describe cardiac output, heart rate, stroke volume, end diastolic volume and end systolic volume; and to explain their inter-relationship.
  5. Explain the effects of neurotransmitters and hormones on heart rate, end diastolic volume and end systolic volume and their affect on cardiac output.

 

© David G. Ward, Ph.D.  Last modified by wardd 23 May, 2006