What is the Origin of Cardiac Physiology?

The term is derived from the Greek word kardia, meaning "heart," combined with physiologia, meaning "knowledge of nature." Its formal study began with early observations of blood circulation, progressing through centuries to the modern understanding of the heart as a four-chambered, self-regulating electrical pump. The modern clinical focus integrates concepts from biophysics, fluid dynamics, and electrophysiology.

What is the Mechanism of Cardiac Physiology?

The core mechanism is the cardiac cycle, a precise sequence of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) that drives blood flow. This cycle is initiated by the heart’s intrinsic electrical conduction system, beginning at the sinoatrial node, which acts as the natural pacemaker. The electrical impulse propagates through the heart muscle, triggering the coordinated mechanical contraction of the atria and ventricles. The interplay of preload, afterload, and contractility determines the stroke volume, which, when multiplied by the heart rate, defines the body’s total cardiac output.

Cardiac Physiology ∞ Area

Cardiac Physiology

Meaning

Cardiac Physiology is the comprehensive study of the mechanical, electrical, and structural functions of the healthy heart and its interaction with the circulatory system. This discipline focuses on the intrinsic mechanisms that enable the heart muscle, the myocardium, to contract rhythmically and efficiently. Understanding the determinants of cardiac output is central to assessing overall cardiovascular health and functional reserve. Clinically, this knowledge is paramount for diagnosing and managing conditions that affect the heart’s pumping efficiency or rhythm, directly impacting systemic perfusion.