The Cardiovascular System

Question 1

Why is it important to have an efficient cardiovascular system during exercise?

Answer 1

• To deliver oxygenated blood to the working muscles in the body
• Blood has to gather to remove waste products.
• To transport heat to the surface of the skin.

Question 2

Describe the chambers of the heart.

Answer 2

• Sides of heart divided by muscular wall called the septum.
• Each part contains two chambers: an atrium and ventricle.
• Atria smaller than ventricles as they only push blood into the ventricles, which doesn’t require much force.
• Left side of heart bigger than right side as it needs a large force to pump blood all around the body, whereas the right side just pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs which are in close proximity to the heart.

Question 3

Name the four blood vessels of the heart. What are their functions?

Answer 3

VENA CAVA:
- Transports deoxygenated blood from the body, into the right atrium.

PULMONARY ARTERY:
- Transports deoxygenated blood away from the heart (from the right ventricle) and to the lungs for gaseous exchange.

PULMONARY VEIN:
- Transports oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart (left atrium).

AORTA:
- Transports oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Question 4

What is the function of valves in the heart?

Answer 4

The valves help to prevent the backflow of blood.

Question 5

Name the four main valves in the heart. Where are they located.

Answer 5

TRICUSPID VALVE:
- Located between the right atrium and right ventricle.

PULMONIC VALVE (semi-lunar valve):
- Located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.

BICUSPID VALVE (mitral valve):
- Located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

AORTIC VALVE (semi-lunar valve):
- Located between the left ventricle and the aorta.

Question 6

Outline the pathway of blood through the heart.

Answer 6

DEOXYGENATED BLOOD:

1) Vena cava
2) Right atrium
3) Tricuspid valve
4) Right ventricle
5) Pulmonic valve
6) Pulmonary artery
7) Lungs

OXYGENTATED BLOOD:

8) Pulmonary vein
9) Left atrium
10) Bicuspid valve
11) Left ventricle
12) Aortic valve
13) Aorta

Question 7

What are chordae tendineae?

Answer 7

They are strong, fibrous strings that attach the papillary muscles to the tricuspid and bicuspid valves.

Question 8

What is the cardiac conduction system?

Answer 8

A group of specialized cells located in the wall of the heart.

Question 9

Why is the heart myogenic?

Answer 9

The heart is myogenic because the beat starts in the heart muscle itself.