Atrium cordis

Atrium Cordis is a term used in anatomy to refer to the upper chambers of the heart. The heart is divided into four chambers: two atria (plural of atrium) and two ventricles. The atrium cordis, or simply the atria, play a crucial role in the cardiac cycle.

Structure

The heart's atria are the two upper chambers. They are separated by a thin wall of tissue known as the interatrial septum. Each atrium has a different role:

• Right atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the vena cava and pumps it into the right ventricle.
• Left atrium: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins and pumps it into the left ventricle.

Function

The primary function of the atria is to receive blood returning to the heart and to play a role in the blood circulation process. When the atria contract, they push blood into the ventricles. This process is known as atrial systole.

Clinical significance

Diseases and conditions that affect the atria can have serious implications for heart function. These include:

• Atrial fibrillation: A condition characterized by irregular and often rapid heart rate.
• Atrial flutter: Similar to atrial fibrillation, but the rhythm in your atria is more organized and less chaotic.
• Atrial septal defect: A birth defect that causes a hole in the wall between the heart's atria.

See also

• Heart
• Cardiac cycle
• Blood circulation