The Heart Flashcards
Heart anatomy
What is the heart
A hollow muscular organ located in the chest cavity
It’s protected in the chest cavity, by the pericardium, a tough fibrous sac
The heart is divided into (…) chambers
The top 2 = (…)
The bottom 2 = (…)
Four
Top = atria
Bottom = ventricles
What are the left and right side of the heart separated by
The septum
Separating the left & right side atria = the interatrial septum
Separating the left and right ventricles = interventricular septum
Why is the septum important
A wall of muscular tissue which is key for making sure blood doesn’t mix between left & fright
What are the different valves in the heart
Tricuspid/Atriovetricular
Pulmonary
Mitral/Bicuspid
Aortic
Why are valves important
Why are valves important
When do valves open & close
Open = when pressure of blood behind is greater than in front
Close = when pressure of blood in front is greater then behind
What each of the valves do
Blood vessels diagram
What are coronary arteries & why do they need to be clear of plaque
Arteries on the surface, through which the heart receives blood
It’s key these remain clear of plaques, as this can lead to angina (chest infection) / myocardial infarction (heart attack)
