Anatomy of the human heart

Anatomy of the Human Heart

The human heart is a vital organ in the human body that functions as a pump, circulating blood throughout the body via the circulatory system. It is located in the thoracic cavity, between the lungs and behind the sternum.

Structure

The human heart is roughly the size of a fist and weighs approximately 250 to 350 grams in adults. It is divided into four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

Right Atrium

The right atrium is the upper right chamber of the heart. It receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava and pumps it into the right ventricle.

Right Ventricle

The right ventricle is the lower right chamber of the heart. It receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs via the pulmonary artery for oxygenation.

Left Atrium

The left atrium is the upper left chamber of the heart. It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins and pumps it into the left ventricle.

Left Ventricle

The left ventricle is the lower left chamber of the heart. It receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumps it to the rest of the body via the aorta.

Function

The primary function of the human heart is to pump blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the heart, collectively known as cardiovascular disease, are the leading cause of death worldwide. These include coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

See also

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular system
• Heart disease