HEART
Heart
The heart is a vital organ in the human body that functions as the primary component of the circulatory system. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The heart is a muscular organ roughly the size of a closed fist. It is divided into four chambers: the left and right atria and the left and right ventricles. The septum, a wall of muscle, separates the left and right sides of the heart.
Function[edit | edit source]
The heart's main function is to pump blood throughout the body. It does this through a complex process of contraction and relaxation, known as the cardiac cycle. The cycle begins when the heart's sinoatrial node (also known as the natural pacemaker) sends out an electrical signal. This signal causes the atria to contract, pushing blood into the ventricles. The ventricles then contract, pushing blood out of the heart and into the arteries.
Health and Disease[edit | edit source]
There are many conditions that can affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. These conditions can lead to a range of symptoms, from chest pain and shortness of breath to fatigue and fainting. Treatment for heart conditions can include lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
