Cardiology 1

Cardiology I: In this lecture, Professor Diamond begins an in depth discussion of the cardiac system. She notes how the unique structure of cardiac muscle as intercalated disks enables the transfer of electrical impulses through the cardiac muscle. Professor Diamond describes the differences between systemic and pulmonary circulation. She introduces the components of the heart, discussing the right and left atrium and right and left ventricle, and describes how pulmonary and systemic circulation flow through these chambers. She then reviews the size and location of the heart, before discussing its structure. She begins her review of the heart’s structure by describing the pericardium, or coverings of the heart, and how they function, anchoring the heart and reducing friction. She then describes the inner structure of the heart in detail, describing specific characteristics of each atrium and ventricle.