Anatomy of the heart Flashcards
Be able to identify the structure of the heart and explain its function
State the purpose of the heart
To pump blood around the body to every organ
Describe the location of the heart
In the thoracic cavity called the mediastinum. Medially to the lungs, anteriorly to the vertebrae and posteriorly to the sternum. 2/3 of it’s bulk is on the left side
State the function of the right side of the heart
Receive oxygen-poor blood from the veins and pump it to the lungs
State the function of the valves in the heart
To prevent back flow of blood
State what causes the S1 & S2 heart sounds
Atrioventricular valves opening and closing together causing S1 and the semilunar valves opening and closing together creating S2
List the structures involved in systemic blood flow
Left and right lung, left and right pulmonary vein, left atrium, bicuspid valve, left ventricle, aortic valve, aorta, cells of body
State the major arteries which attach to the heart
Circumflex artery, left anterior descending artery, right coronary artery
State the major veins that attach to the heart
Great cardiac, small cardiac & middle cardiac
List the three layers of the heart
Pericardium, Myocardium, Endocardium
What is the name of the outer most later of the heart and what is its function?
Pericardium - protects, anchors heart to surrounding structures and stops it from overfilling
What is the name of the middle layer of the heart and what is its function?
Myocardium - muscles layer of the heart. Pumps blood around the body and to the lungs. Thickest in left ventricle, thinnest in atria
What is the name of the inner most layer of the heart and what is its function?
Endocardium - Smooth, shiny lining to minimise surface friction for easy blood flow
What is the function of the left side of the heart?
To pump oxygenated blood from the lungs to the body
What is the function of the right side of the heart?
To pump deoxygenated blood to lungs to be oxygenated
What is the difference in structure to the left and right side of the heart?
Left side is bigger and thicker to be able withstand more pressure to pump blood around body and right side is thinner and smaller as this pumps blood to lungs meaning less pressure needed.
