Cardiac anatomy

Cardiac Anatomy refers to the structural features of the heart, a vital organ in the human body. The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes.

Structure

The heart is a muscular organ roughly the size of a closed fist. It is located in the mediastinum, between the lungs and behind the sternum. It is divided into four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

Chambers

The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. The blood then moves to the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation.

The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it into the left ventricle. The left ventricle then pumps the oxygenated blood to the rest of the body through the aorta.

Valves

The heart contains four valves that ensure unidirectional blood flow. These include the tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve. The valves open and close in response to pressure changes within the heart's chambers.

Function

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, ensuring the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. It also helps remove waste products like carbon dioxide. The heart's pumping action is regulated by electrical signals, which maintain a steady heart rate.

Clinical significance

Understanding cardiac anatomy is crucial in diagnosing and treating heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and valvular heart disease. It is also essential in procedures like cardiac surgery and cardiac catheterization.

See also

• Cardiovascular system
• Cardiology
• Heart disease