Answered: What is the structure of Heart?

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)

9th Edition

ISBN:9781285866932

Author:Lauralee Sherwood

Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood

Chapter9: Cardiac Physiology

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 8RE

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What is the structure of Heart?

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Step 1 Introduction

The human heart is situated in the middle of the thoracic cavity in a space called the mediastinum. It is a hollow and muscular organ about the size of one's fist. It is about 12 cm in length,9cm in breadth, and weighs about 250-300 grams. It is enclosed in double-layered peritoneum and pericardium. The structure of the heart can be studied externally and internally. The heart is a pumping organ which pumps the blood which is circulated throughout the body.

Step 2 Structure of the heart

The internal structure of the heart

Human heart consists of four chambers. The two superior, small and thin walled chambers are called atria. The two inferior, large thick walled chamber are called ventricles.
A transverse groove called coronary sulcus is present externally between atria and ventricles.
The interventricular sulcus is present between left and right ventricles. It contains coronary arteries and coronary veins. The coronary veins join to form coronary sinus.
The right atrium is larger than the left atrium.
The right ventricle gives rise to pulmonary trunk while from the left ventricle arises systematic aorta.
The pulmonary trunk and systematic aorta are connected by ligamentum arteriosum.

The internal structure of Heart

Internally also Heart is divided into four chambers two atria and two ventricles.
Internally both the atria are separated from each other by the interatrial septum.
The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from all the parts of the body through superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and from the heart through the coronary sinus.
The opening of the inferior vena cava is guided by the eustachian valve while the opening of the coronary sinus is guided by thebesian valve.
The left atrium receives blood from the lungs through four openings of pulmonary veins.
Each atrium opens into the ventricle of its side through an atrioventricular aperture. The openings are guarded by a valve on each side.
The right atrioventricular valve has three flaps so-called tricuspid valve while the left atrioventricular aperture has two valves hence called the bicuspid valve.
The ventricles are separated from each other by the interventricular septum.
The pulmonary aorta arises from the right ventricle carrying deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. The systemic aorta arises from the left ventricle carrying oxygenated blood to all the parts of the body.
The pulmonary and systemic aorta has three semilunar valves to prevent the backflow of the blood.

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