3.2.5- The Mammalian Heart Flashcards
Where is the heart located?
In the chest cavity.
Describe the structure of the heart.
The heart is divided into four chambers. The two top chambers are atria and the bottom two chambers are ventricles
The left and right sides of the heart are separated by a wall of muscular tissue, called the septum. The portion of the septum which separates the left and right atria is called the interatrial septum, while the portion of the septum which separates the left and right ventricles is called the interventricular septum
The septum is very important for ensuring blood doesn’t mix between the left and right sides of the heart
Describe the operation of valves and why they are important.
Open when the pressure of blood behind them is greater than the pressure in front of them
Close when the pressure of blood in front of them is greater than the pressure behind them
Valves are important for keeping blood flowing forward in the right direction and stopping it flowing backwards. They are also important for maintaining the correct pressure in the chambers of the heart
Where is the atrioventricular (tricuspid) valve?
Between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
Where is the pulmonary valve?
Between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
Where is the bicuspid valve?
Between the left atrium and left ventricle.
Where is the aortic valve?
Between the left ventricle and aorta.
Which blood vessels bring blood back to the heart?
Vena Cava
Pulmonary Vein
Which blood vessels take blood away from the heart?
Pulmonary Artery
Aorta
Describe where coronary arteries are found and their importance?
The heart is a muscle and so requires its own blood supply for aerobic respiration
The heart receives blood through arteries on its surface, called coronary arteries
It’s important that these arteries remain clear of plaques, as this could lead to angina or a heart attack
