Heart ventricle

Heart Septum

The Heart Septum is a vital component of the human heart that separates the organ into four distinct chambers: the left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle, and right ventricle. This partitioning is crucial for the heart's function, as it allows for the separate circulation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Structure

The heart septum is composed of two main parts: the atrial septum and the ventricular septum. The atrial septum separates the left and right atria, while the ventricular septum separates the left and right ventricles. These septa are primarily composed of cardiac muscle tissue, with the ventricular septum being significantly thicker than the atrial septum due to the higher pressure and force exerted by the ventricles.

Function

The primary function of the heart septum is to prevent the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood within the heart. This separation allows for efficient blood circulation throughout the body, with oxygenated blood being pumped to the body's tissues and organs, and deoxygenated blood being sent to the lungs for oxygenation.

Clinical Significance

Defects in the heart septum, such as atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD), can lead to a variety of health issues. These conditions, often present at birth, allow for the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, which can lead to heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other serious complications if left untreated.

See Also

• Heart
• Cardiac muscle
• Blood circulation
• Atrial septal defect
• Ventricular septal defect