Anatomy of the Heart and Mediastinum

Protective covering of the heart.

Holding chambers for blood during venous return.

Prevents blood from flowing back into the right atrium.

Pump blood into arteries.

Separates right and left ventricles

Regulate valve movement during contraction

Prevent valve flipping into atrium during contraction.

Prevents blood from flowing back into the right ventricle.

Receives deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle and bifurcates into pulmonary arteries.

Carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

Prevents blood from flowing back into the left ventricle from the aorta.

Receives highly pressurized blood from the left ventricle and runs superiorly.

First branch off the aortic arch, providing blood supply to the head, neck, and right arm.

Returns deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart.

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Major muscle of respiration, creating pressure differentials for lung filling.

A large, apron-like fold of peritoneum that hangs from the stomach and covers the intestines. It is primarily composed of fat and serves as a protective layer for the abdominal organs.

The stomach is primarily responsible for the initial breakdown of food through mechanical churning and chemical digestion. It also acts as a temporary holding chamber for food before it's passed into the small intestines.

The pyloric sphincter is a muscular valve located at the junction of the stomach and the small intestine. It regulates the passage of partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach into the duodenum.

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. It's where most of the chemical digestion takes place, aided by enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver.

The ileocecal valve is a sphincter muscle that separates the small intestine (ileum) from the large intestine (cecum). It prevents backflow of fecal matter from the large intestine into the small intestine.

A small, pouch-like structure at the beginning of the large intestine where the small intestine connects. It's a starting point for the large intestine's functions of water reabsorption and fecal formation.

A narrow, worm-like structure extending from the cecum. It is a site where new immune cells are trained to fight infections.

The primary function of the large intestine is the absorption of water and electrolytes, as well as the formation and storage of feces. It also plays a role in the absorption of certain vitamins.

The liver is a powerhouse organ responsible for detoxification, bile production, and blood sugar regulation. It filters harmful substances, helps digest fats, and contributes to glucose homeostasis.

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, which is produced by the liver and aids in the digestion of fats.

The pancreas plays a dual role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. It produces digestive enzymes for breaking down food in the small intestine and secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon to control blood glucose levels.

Insulin, produced by the pancreas, signals cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream, lowering blood sugar levels.

Glucagon, also produced by the pancreas, signals the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, raising blood sugar levels.

The spleen is a lymphatic organ that filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and plays a role in immune defense.

The celiac trunk is the first major branch off the abdominal aorta. It supplies blood to the stomach, liver, spleen, and parts of the duodenum and pancreas.

The hepatic portal system collects blood from the digestive tract and delivers it to the liver for processing before it returns to the heart.

The adrenal glands, sitting atop the kidneys, produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. They play a role in stress response, blood pressure regulation, and metabolism.

Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is released during stress and signals the release of glucose for energy, preparing the body for fight or flight.

Kidneys filter blood, remove waste products, and maintain blood solutes. They create urine as a byproduct.

Ureters are tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

The bladder stores urine until it is eliminated.

The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Ovaries produce eggs (oocytes) and secrete hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Fallopian tubes serve as a passageway for eggs and sperm, and are the site of fertilization.

The uterus is the site of fetal development and is also involved in menstruation.

The vagina serves as a passageway for menstrual fluid, sperm, and the fetus during childbirth.