Word parts
What it means
The heart muscle. It lies between the thin inner lining (endocardium) and the outer covering (epicardium). It is thickest in the left ventricleVEN-trih-kulOne of the two lower chambers of the heart, or one of the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain.Full entry , which pumps blood to the whole body. The coronary arteries supply it with blood. When a coronary artery is blocked, part of the myocardium dies, which is a myocardial infarctionmy-oh-KAR-dee-ul in-FARK-shunDeath of part of the heart muscle because its blood supply is blocked; a heart attack.my/o musclecardi/o heart-al having to do withinfarct area of dead tissueFull entry .
At a glance
| Spanish | miocardio |
|---|---|
| Also written | heart muscle, myocardial |
Related terms
myocardial infarction
Death of part of the heart muscle because its blood supply is blocked; a heart attack.
coronary artery
One of the blood vessels on the surface of the heart that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
contractility
The ability of a muscle, especially the heart muscle, to shorten and squeeze with force.
endocarditis
Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, most often on the heart valves.