1.3 Structure Of The Heart

Question 1

Where do pulmonary veins return blood to?

Answer 1

Left atrium from lungs and aorta-largest artery in the body.

Question 2

Why is the cardiovascular system also called the circulatory system?

Answer 2

The majority of blood flows in a circuit around the body, pumped by the heart, a muscular organ located in the chest.

Question 3

Why is it called a double circulatory system?

Answer 3

There are two distinct circuits- the systemic (around the body) and pulmonary (to and from the lungs).

Question 4

How is the heart muscle unusual?

Answer 4

It can beat automatically without stimulation and is coordinated by a region at the top of the right side known as the pacemaker.

Question 5

What are the two large veins that bring the blood back from the tissues?

Answer 5

Superior Vena Cava-leads from the arms and head
Inferior Vena Cava-brings blood from lower body and legs
Leading out from the top of the right ventricle is the pulmonary artery-has a branch going to each lung.