Morphology of the Heart and Blood Flow.

Unit 2 Seminar option 2

Morphology of the heart and blood flow.

The right atrium and right ventricle act as one heart pump and the left atrium and left ventricle act as another. One heart, 2 pumps performing different tasks. The atria contracts at the same time (atria systole), while the ventricles contract together as well (ventricle systole). Blood enters the heart through two large veins, the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava, pouring oxgen-poor blood into the right atrium. Blood flows from the right atrium into the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve. When ventricles are full, the valve shuts off preventing backup and backwards flow of blood into the atrium.. The pulmonary vein pours oxygen-rich blood from the lungs into the left atrium. Blood flows from the left atrium into the left ventricle through the mitral valve. When ventricles are full the valve shuts off for the same preventative measures as listed above. Blood leaves the right side of the heart through the pulmonic valve into the pulmonary artery and to the lungs. Blood leaves the left side of the heart through the aortic valve into the aorta and body. The heart consistently pumps blood throughout the body in order to survive. To do this the heart requires a steady flow of blood with nutrients and oxygen.

References

Prater, A. (n.d.). Retrieved 8/13/13 from http://www.helium.com/items/1167536-how-the-heart-pumps-blood

Thibodeau, G.A., & Patton, K.T. (2008). Structure & Function of the body. 13th Edition St. Louis, MI:Mosby Elsevier