Anatomy of The the Heart – The Pump
Structures
Why Is The Heart Important?
The main purpose of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body. The heart pumps blood to 3 different systems in the body; pulmonary, systemic, and cardiovascular.
Although the heart is just one organ, it is comprised of several parts. Each part of the heart is critical for the optimal functioning of the heart and therefore the circulatory system.
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Atria (Atrium singular):
The heart has two atria— the left atrium and the right atrium. Atria receive blood returning to the heart. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cava, while the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins.
Ventricles:
The heart contains two ventricles—the left ventricle and the right ventricle. Ventricles are responsible for pumping blood out of the heart. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, and the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body’s various tissues and organs.
Valves
Tricuspid Valve
Located between the right atrium and right ventricle, the tricuspid valve prevents the backflow of blood from the ventricle to the atrium during ventricular contraction.
Pulmonary Valve:
Positioned between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, the pulmonary valve ensures blood flows from the right ventricle to the lungs and prevents blood from flowing back into the ventricle.
Mitral Valve (Bicuspid Valve)
Found between the left atrium and left ventricle, the mitral valve permits blood to flow from the atrium to the ventricle and prevents backflow.
Aortic Valve
Situated between the left ventricle and the aorta, the aortic valve controls the flow of blood from the ventricle to the aorta and prevents blood from returning to the ventricle.
Arteries and Veins
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Aorta
Located between the right atrium and right ventricle, the tricuspid valve prevents the backflow of blood from the ventricle to the atrium during ventricular contraction.
Pulmonary Arteries and Veins
The pulmonary arteries transport deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation, while the pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
Coronary Arteries
These arteries supply the heart muscle itself with oxygenated blood. The left and right coronary arteries branch off from the aorta and provide crucial nourishment to the heart muscle, allowing it to pump effectively.
Aortic Valve
Situated between the left ventricle and the aorta, the aortic valve controls the flow of blood from the ventricle to the aorta and prevents blood from returning to the ventricle.
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Cardiac Muscle Tissue (Myocardium)
The walls of the heart are primarily composed of cardiac muscle tissue, which contracts rhythmically to pump blood throughout the body.
Pericardium
The pericardium is a double-layered sac that surrounds the heart, providing protection and preventing friction between the heart and surrounding structures.
Conduction System
The heart has its own electrical conduction system that controls its rhythmic contractions. The sinoatrial (SA) node initiates the heartbeat, followed by the atrioventricular (AV) node, which regulates the timing of electrical signals between the atria and ventricles. The Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers transmit the electrical impulses to ensure synchronized and coordinated contractions.