Human Heart Structure and Function

Study Notes

Size and Function of the Heart

The human heart is approximately the size of a fist.
It continuously pumps oxygen-rich blood to the brain and extremities while returning oxygen-poor blood from the body to the lungs.

Heart Structure

Comprised of four chambers:
- Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
- Left Atrium: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
- Right Ventricle: Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
- Left Ventricle: Pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

Chamber Characteristics

Atria (upper chambers): Serve as receiving areas for blood.
Ventricles (lower chambers): Function as pumping chambers to circulate blood.

Heart Division and Blood Flow

The heart has a septum, an inner wall that separates the right and left sides.
Right side function: Pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
Left side function: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and distributes it to the body.

Heart Valves

Valves act as one-way doors to ensure efficient blood flow.
Mitral (or bicuspid) valve: Located between the left atrium and left ventricle.
Tricuspid valve: Located between the right atrium and right ventricle.
Valves help control blood movement into heart chambers and out to the aorta and pulmonary artery.

Description

Explore the size, structure, and functions of the human heart. This quiz covers the four chambers of the heart, their roles in blood flow, and the importance of heart valves. Test your understanding of how the heart pumps oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood throughout the body.