The basic anatomy and function of the heart and pericardium will be discussed with the function and microanatomy of cardiac muscle. Septation of the heart and the foetal circulation will be considered in outline. Pressure changes and sounds during a single cardiac cycle together with the associated electrical events will be stressed. In addition nervous control of heart rate and hormones which have major effect will be included as will drugs such as atropine, calcium channel blockers and cardiac glycosides which have major effects.
The general structure of the peripheral circulation and its histology will be discussed and the mechanism by which blood returns to the heart. The baroreceptor reflexes and other controllers of blood pressure will be included as will some central control mechanisms. Diseases of the heart and circulation will be considered briefly.
