ACTIVITY 7

CARDIOVASCULAR ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

INTRODUCTION
The circulatory system plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by continuously transporting oxygen,
nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body (Guyton & Hall, 2021). Blood circulation sustains
cellular function, regulates body temperature, and supports immune responses (Marieb & Hoehn, 2019).
Cardiovascular efficiency directly influences overall health and well-being, including cognitive abilities and
emotional regulation (Tortora & Derrickson, 2020).
This laboratory activity provides an in-depth understanding of the circulatory system by exploring blood
flow dynamics, heart function, and blood components. The physiological processes such as oxygen transport,
blood pressure regulation, and electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms will be examined. Furthermore, this activity
will highlight the connection between cardiovascular fitness and mental well-being.

OBJECTIVES
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
1. Identify and label the anatomical structures of the heart.
2. Analyze blood pressure changes in response to physical stressors and substance intake.
3. Interpret ECG waveforms and their correlation with cardiac cycle events.
4. Explain the physiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular function.
5. Describe common cardiovascular diseases and their impact on health.

MATERIALS
Anatomy & Dissection: Heart 3D model, pig’s heart, dissecting set, surgical gloves, pins for labeling
Physiology & Measurements: Blood pressure apparatus, stethoscope, pulse oximeter, exercise outfit,
thermometer (infrared scanner), cold water, sugary beverage, coffee
References: Textbooks and scientific articles on cardiovascular physiology

PROCEDURES
I. Anatomy of the Heart

A. Heart Dissection
Preparation:
 Put on gloves and a lab gown.
 Place the pig heart in the dissection tray, ensuring it is positioned for easy access.
 Access the dissection guide from this link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZkDYhNSV6TfLvYiaKbHI4Cn3Hrur7Fg0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114
067068401519220255&rtpof=true&sd=true

External Anatomy of the Heart

1. Place the pig’s heart on the dissecting pan. Identify the pericardium, which is typically removed during
butchering.
2. Distinguish the ventral (anterior) and dorsal (posterior) surfaces of the heart.
3. Identify and label the base and apex of the heart.
4. Locate the anterior longitudinal sulcus, which separates the left and right ventricles.
5. Identify the coronary blood vessels within the sulcus and determine their role in heart function.
6. Locate the left and right auricles at the base of the heart.

Right Side of the Heart

1. Identify the superior and inferior vena cava, which drain blood into the right atrium.
2. Using scissors, make an incision along the right atrium and continue down into the right ventricle.
3. Identify the tricuspid valve between the right atrium and ventricle and count its cusps.
4. Locate the chordae tendineae, which attach to the papillary muscles.
5. Discuss the role of these structures in preventing backflow of blood.
Left Side of the Heart
1. Identify the pulmonary veins, which carry oxygenated blood into the left atrium.
2. Cut through the left atrium and into the left ventricle using a scalpel.
3. Locate the mitral (bicuspid) valve, which separates the left atrium and left ventricle.
4. Observe the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles associated with the mitral valve.
5. Make a U-shaped incision from the left ventricle through the aorta to expose the aortic semilunar valve.
6. Identify the openings of the coronary arteries just above the aortic valve and discuss their significance.

II. Cardiovascular Physiology

Safety Reminders:
Always use a new, sterile lancet for each participant to prevent infections for blood glucose test.
Dispose of used lancets and test strips properly in a sharps container.
If a participant feels dizzy, weak, or unwell in any of the procedures below, stop the experiment immediately
and call for assistance.

A. Blood Pressure Measurement (Auscultatory Method)

1. Ensure the participant is relaxed and seated comfortably.
2. Wrap the sphygmomanometer cuff around the upper arm, positioning it at heart level.
3. Inflate the cuff to a pressure higher than the expected systolic BP, then slowly release the air while
listening through a stethoscope.
4. Record the systolic and diastolic pressures when the first and last Korotkoff sounds are heard.
5. Repeat the measurement with the subject in a supine position.

B. Pulse Rate Measurement

1. Place a digital pulse oximeter on the fingertip of the participant or do the following:
Checking Oxygenation via Wrist Pulse
a. Find the Pulse: Use index and middle fingers on the radial artery (thumb side of the wrist).
b. Count Beats: Measure for 60 seconds (or 30 sec × 2). Normal: 60–100 bpm.
c. Assess Pulse Quality:
Weak/Thready: Possible low oxygen.
Fast (>100 bpm): May indicate oxygen deficiency.
Slow (<60 bpm) + dizziness: Could signal hypoxia.
Irregular Pulse: May suggest circulation issues.
2. Allow the device to stabilize and record the pulse rate in beats per minute (bpm).

C. Effects of Physical Activity on Blood Pressure

1. Select two participants (one physically active and one less active).
2. Measure and record their resting blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR).
3. Have both participants perform 10 minutes of aerobic exercise (jumping jacks, jogging).
4. Immediately measure and record post-exercise BP and PR.

D. Effects of Temperature on Blood Pressure

1. Select a participant to immerse one hand in cold water (record temperature) for 5-10 minutes. Select
another participant that will serve as a control.
2. Measure and record BP before and after immersion.

E. Effects of Beverages on Blood Pressure

1. Assign participants to consume different beverages:
o Participant 1: Caffeinated beverage/ preferably non-coffee drinker
o Participant 2: Sugary beverage
o Participant 3: Control (plain water/no beverage)
2. Measure and record baseline BP and PR.
3. Have participants consume their beverages within 10 minutes.
4. Measure and record BP and PR again 15 minutes after consumption.
III. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Analysis
1. Access an ECG interactive display:
o https://humanbiomedia.org/simulations/circulatory-system/cardiac-cycle/interactive-display.html
2. Identify the following waveform components:
o P wave: Atrial depolarization
o QRS complex: Ventricular depolarization
o T wave: Ventricular repolarization
3. Compare ECG readings under different conditions:
o Slow (~40 bpm), Normal (~70 bpm), Fast (~120 bpm).
4. Note any changes in wave amplitude and duration across different heart rates.

REFERENCES
Guyton, A. C., & Hall, J. E. (2021). Textbook of Medical Physiology (14th ed.). Elsevier.
Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2019). Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th ed.). Pearson.
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2020). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (16th ed.). Wiley.
Silverthorn, D. U. (2021). Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (8th ed.). Pearson.
Widmaier, E. P., Raff, H., & Strang, K. T. (2020). Vander’s Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2020). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

I. Heart Anatomy and Dissection

A. Labeled photographs of the (a) anterior, (b) posterior, and (c) frontal sections of the heart. Label the
parts seen in each section, focusing on the structures mentioned in the procedures. Use only one
page for this part.

B. Respond to the following questions based on your observations and dissection. Answer in not more
than three sentences.
1. Compare the thickness and texture of the left and right ventricular walls. Why is there a difference?
2. Describe the function of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles in heart mechanics.
3. Explain how the heart valves ensure unidirectional blood flow.
4. Discuss the role of coronary arteries and the potential consequences of their blockage.
5. What is the significance of the anterior longitudinal sulcus in heart anatomy?
6. How does the positioning of the heart chambers contribute to efficient blood circulation?

II. Cardiovascular Physiology Data Analysis

Table 1. Blood Pressure Measurement Results

Participan BP
Age Gender BP (Supine) Observation
t (Sitting)

6
Analysis:
1. How does body position affect blood pressure? Explain the physiological mechanisms involved.
2. How does age influence blood pressure regulation, and what changes occur as individuals grow older?
3. Why do men and women often exhibit different baseline blood pressure levels, and how does this change
with age?

Table 2. Pulse Rate Measurement Results

Participan Pulse Rate
Observation
t (bpm)

Analysis:
1. What factors could contribute to variations in pulse rate among individuals?
2. How does pulse rate reflect cardiovascular efficiency?
3. In which other parts of the body can pulse be detected?

Table 3: Effects of Physical Activity on Blood Pressure

Participant 1 Participant 2
Observation
Less physically active More physically active
Initial
BP
Final
BP
Initial
PR
Final
PR

Analysis:
1. Is there any significant results? Explain.
2. How does exercise influence blood pressure and pulse rate?
3. Why might physically active individuals show different BP responses than less active individuals?
Table 4: Effects of Temperature on Blood Pressure
Participant 1 Participant 2
Observation
Cold water Control

Initial BP Final BP Initial BP Final BP

Analysis:
1. What physiological mechanisms explain changes in BP due to cold exposure?
2. How might temperature regulation impact cardiovascular health?

E. Effects of Beverages on Blood Pressure

Participant Blood Pressure Pulse Rate

mm/Hg bpm General Observation
(BP and PR)
Initial Final Initial Final

Participant
1
Caffeinated
beverage
Participant
2
Sugary
beverage
Participant
2
Control/wat
er

Analysis:
1. How did caffeine and sugar affect blood pressure and pulse rate compared to the control?
2. What physiological mechanisms explain the observed changes in BP and PR after consuming different
beverages?

III. ECG Analysis Questions: Answer the following based on the recorded ECG data.
1. How do the P-R interval and QRS duration change with varying heart rates?
2. How does an increased heart rate (such as during stress or anxiety) affect oxygen delivery and cardiac
efficiency? How might this contribute to symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or palpitations in
individuals experiencing chronic stress?
3. What are the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with chronic stress-induced tachycardia?
ENRICHMENT QUESTION
Case: Mark, a 52-year-old university professor of Psychology, has high-stress levels, a poor diet, and a sedentary
lifestyle. He experiences chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. His check-up reveals high blood pressure
(150/95 mmHg), high cholesterol, and an irregular ECG indicating coronary artery disease (CAD). Mark also
struggles with anxiety, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating, which may worsen his heart condition.

Answer each question in 3-5 sentences only. Include updated in-text citations.
1. Explain how chronic stress and anxiety contribute to the development and progression of coronary artery
disease (CAD). What physiological mechanisms link psychological stress to heart health?
2. Mark is experiencing difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances. How might these mental health
symptoms further impact his cardiovascular function and overall well-being?
3. What interdisciplinary approaches (a)medical; (b)psychological; and (c) lifestyle interventions can improve
Mark’s cardiovascular and mental well-being?

REFERENCES (limit to one page only)