Anatomy and Function of the Heart

Study Notes

Structure

The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
It is a hollow, cone-shaped organ located in the thoracic cavity.
The heart is divided into four chambers:
- Right atrium (upper right chamber)
- Right ventricle (lower right chamber)
- Left atrium (upper left chamber)
- Left ventricle (lower left chamber)

Function

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.
The heart pumps around 2,000 gallons of blood per day.
The heartbeat is regulated by the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is the heart's natural pacemaker.

Blood Flow

Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium through the superior and inferior vena cavae.
Blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle, then to the lungs to pick up oxygen.
Oxygen-rich blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins and enters the left atrium.
Blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle, then to the rest of the body through the aorta.

Blood Vessels

Arteries: carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
Veins: carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Capillaries: allow for exchange of oxygen and nutrients with tissues and organs.

Heartbeat Regulation

The autonomic nervous system regulates the heartbeat, with the sympathetic nervous system increasing heart rate and the parasympathetic nervous system decreasing heart rate.
The heartbeat can also be influenced by factors such as exercise, emotions, and hormones.

Heart Health

A healthy heart is essential for overall health and well-being.
Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management can help maintain a healthy heart.

Description

Test your knowledge of the heart's structure, function, and blood flow, as well as the factors that influence heart health. Learn about the heart's chambers, blood vessels, and regulation of the heartbeat. Assess your understanding of heart health and the risks of heart disease.