The Human Heart Structure 1 Flashcards
Where is the heart located in the body?
In the thoracic cavity, behind the sternum (breastbone)
What type of organ is the heart, and how does it function?
A muscular organ that operates continuously and tirelessly throughout an organism’s life
Why is the human heart considered two separate pumps?
This is because the LEFT SIDE pumps OXYGENated blood from the LUNGS to the BODY
While the RIGHT side pumps DEOXYGENated blood from the BODY to the LUNGS
What are the two chambers of each side of the heart?
The atrium and the ventricle
What is the structure and function of the atrium?
The atrium is thin walled and elastic
Function: It stretches to collect blood from the veins before passing it to the vehicle
Why does the ventricle have a much thicker muscular wall than the atrium?
It needs to contract strongly to pump blood a greater distance - to the lungs or the rest of the body
What is the advantage of having a second pump for oxygenated blood?
It boosts blood pressure before circulation, ensuring efficient oxygen delivery to body tissues
Why do mammals have two separate pumps in the heart?
Blood must pass through ting lung capillaries for gas exchange, which causes a large drop in pressure. without a second pump, blood to the body would be too slow
Why must oxygenated and deoxygenated blood be kept separate?
To maintain high oxygen levels in the blood being pumped to the body, maximizing oxygen delivery to tissues
How does the structure of the right ventricle relate to its function?
The right ventricle has a thinner muscular wall because it only pumps blood to the lungs, requiring less force
Why does the left ventricle have a thicker muscular wall?
The left ventricle pumps blood to the entire body, so it must contract more powerfully to generate a high pressure
How do the two sides of the heart work together?
Despite being separate pumps, the heart contracts in sync
Both atria contract together and both ventricles contract together
What are the two atrioventricular valves called?
The left atrioventricular valve, bicuspid valve
The right atrioventricular valve, tricuspid valve
What is the function of the atrioventricular valves?
To prevent backflow of blood into the atria when the ventricles contract
What is the function of the ventricles in blood circulation?
Pump blood away from the heart into the arteries
What is the function of the atria in blood circulation?
Receive blood from the veins before passing it to the ventricles
