🫀 Anatomy & Physiology: The
Cardiovascular System
High-Yield Study Guide for Nursing Students
1. Tracing the Drop of Blood (The Pathway)
Crucial Concept: You must memorize the sequence of valves and chambers.
Remember the mnemonic "Toilet Paper My Ass" (Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral/Bicuspid,
Aortic) to remember the order of the valves.
Deoxygenated Blood Path (From Body to Lungs):
1. Superior & Inferior Vena Cava: Oxygen-poor blood returns from the body.
2. Right Atrium (RA): The collection chamber for returning blood.
3. Tricuspid Valve: Blood flows through this valve into the right ventricle.
4. Right Ventricle (RV): Pumps blood up towards the lungs.
5. Pulmonary Valve: The "doorway" to the pulmonary artery.
6. Pulmonary Artery: Carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart to the
lungs. (Note: This is the only artery in adults that carries deoxygenated blood).
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Oxygenated Blood Path (From Lungs to Body): 7. Lungs: Gas exchange occurs
(CO2 out, O2 in). 8. Pulmonary Veins: Carry oxygen-rich blood back to the heart.
9. Left Atrium (LA): Receives oxygenated blood. 10. Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve: Blood
flows through this valve into the left ventricle. 11. Left Ventricle (LV): The powerhouse
Cardiovascular System
High-Yield Study Guide for Nursing Students
1. Tracing the Drop of Blood (The Pathway)
Crucial Concept: You must memorize the sequence of valves and chambers.
Remember the mnemonic "Toilet Paper My Ass" (Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral/Bicuspid,
Aortic) to remember the order of the valves.
Deoxygenated Blood Path (From Body to Lungs):
1. Superior & Inferior Vena Cava: Oxygen-poor blood returns from the body.
2. Right Atrium (RA): The collection chamber for returning blood.
3. Tricuspid Valve: Blood flows through this valve into the right ventricle.
4. Right Ventricle (RV): Pumps blood up towards the lungs.
5. Pulmonary Valve: The "doorway" to the pulmonary artery.
6. Pulmonary Artery: Carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart to the
lungs. (Note: This is the only artery in adults that carries deoxygenated blood).
Shutterstock
Oxygenated Blood Path (From Lungs to Body): 7. Lungs: Gas exchange occurs
(CO2 out, O2 in). 8. Pulmonary Veins: Carry oxygen-rich blood back to the heart.
9. Left Atrium (LA): Receives oxygenated blood. 10. Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve: Blood
flows through this valve into the left ventricle. 11. Left Ventricle (LV): The powerhouse
