AOH1996
Anatomy of the Human Heart[edit | edit source]
The human heart is a muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system by rhythmic contractions. It is located in the thoracic cavity, between the lungs, and is roughly the size of a closed fist. The heart is divided into four chambers: the left and right atria and the left and right ventricles.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The heart is composed of three layers: the epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium. The epicardium is the outermost layer, the myocardium is the thick muscular middle layer, and the endocardium is the innermost layer lining the heart chambers.
Chambers[edit | edit source]
The heart has four chambers:
- Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava.
- Right Ventricle: Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
- Left Atrium: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins.
- Left Ventricle: Pumps oxygenated blood to the body through the aorta.
Valves[edit | edit source]
The heart contains four main valves that ensure unidirectional blood flow:
- Tricuspid Valve: Located between the right atrium and right ventricle.
- Pulmonary Valve: Located between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery.
- Mitral Valve: Located between the left atrium and left ventricle.
- Aortic Valve: Located between the left ventricle and aorta.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes. The heart's pumping action is regulated by electrical impulses that originate in the sinoatrial node, often referred to as the heart's natural pacemaker.
Blood Supply[edit | edit source]
The heart itself requires a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood, which is provided by the coronary arteries. These arteries branch off from the aorta and encircle the heart muscle.
Conduction System[edit | edit source]
The heart's electrical conduction system controls the heart rate and rhythm. It includes the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers.
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