Pathophysiology Study Guide
| Nursing Pathophysiology
Practice Questions & Exam
Prep 2026/2027
, dura mater Outer layer of meninges, tough, fibrous, double layered.
dural sinuses Formed by spits in dura mater. Collect venous blood and CSF for return to general
circulation.
mediastinum (what is it) Area of thoracic cavity between lungs. Location of trachea, esophagus, heart &
large vessels
pericardial sac Fibrous sac, holds heart, double-walled, anchors heart to diaphragm.
endocardium inner layer of heart, forms 4 heart valves
septum in heart separtes L & R sides of heart
SA node - other name pacemaker
sinus rhythm basic rate of impulses generated by SA node (70 beats per minute)
location of sinoatrial node right atrium
Where does impulse go to after SA node Spreads through atrial conduction pathways, resulting in contraction of both atria
AV node - what is it Atrioventricular node. Impulse arrives here after SA node sent it through atria
AV node - where is it Floor of R atrium near septum. Is the only anatomical connection between atrial and
ventricular portions of conduction system.
AV bundle - other name Bundle of His - other name
ECG - what does it do Records electrical changes sent by conduction impulses as picked up by electrodes
apoptosis normal programmed cell death in tissues
| Nursing Pathophysiology
Practice Questions & Exam
Prep 2026/2027
, dura mater Outer layer of meninges, tough, fibrous, double layered.
dural sinuses Formed by spits in dura mater. Collect venous blood and CSF for return to general
circulation.
mediastinum (what is it) Area of thoracic cavity between lungs. Location of trachea, esophagus, heart &
large vessels
pericardial sac Fibrous sac, holds heart, double-walled, anchors heart to diaphragm.
endocardium inner layer of heart, forms 4 heart valves
septum in heart separtes L & R sides of heart
SA node - other name pacemaker
sinus rhythm basic rate of impulses generated by SA node (70 beats per minute)
location of sinoatrial node right atrium
Where does impulse go to after SA node Spreads through atrial conduction pathways, resulting in contraction of both atria
AV node - what is it Atrioventricular node. Impulse arrives here after SA node sent it through atria
AV node - where is it Floor of R atrium near septum. Is the only anatomical connection between atrial and
ventricular portions of conduction system.
AV bundle - other name Bundle of His - other name
ECG - what does it do Records electrical changes sent by conduction impulses as picked up by electrodes
apoptosis normal programmed cell death in tissues
