Heart structure

• What is the main focus of this session?

  Structures within the human heart
• What is cardiac muscle?

  Muscle that makes up the heart
• Where is cardiac muscle found?

  Within the walls of the heart
• What is a unique property of cardiac muscle?

  It can contract without nervous input
• What does myogenic mean in relation to cardiac muscle?

  It contracts without nervous system input
• What happens to cardiac muscle when removed from the body?

  It continues to contract with oxygen and glucose
• Why does cardiac muscle not fatigue?

  It has a constant supply of glucose and oxygen
• What are coronary arteries?

  Blood vessels supplying the heart muscle
• What is the consequence of a blockage in coronary arteries?

  It can lead to a heart attack
• How many chambers does the heart have?

  Four chambers
• What are the two types of chambers in the heart?

  Atria and ventricles
• What is the function of the atria?

  To receive blood from the body and lungs
• Why are the walls of the atria thinner than the ventricles?

  They only need to push blood a short distance
• What is the role of the ventricles?

  To pump blood out of the heart
• Why does the left ventricle have a thicker wall than the right ventricle?

  It pumps blood at higher pressure to the body
• What is the function of the right ventricle?

  To pump blood to the lungs
• What is the purpose of the septum in the heart?

  To separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood
• What are the four major blood vessels associated with the heart?

  Aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, vena cava
• What do veins do?

  Bring blood into the heart
• What does the term 'pulmonary' indicate about a blood vessel?

  It is attached to the lungs
• What is the function of the aorta?

  To carry oxygenated blood to the body
• What are the two types of valves in the heart?

  Atrioventricular valves and semilunar valves
• What is the function of the heart valves?

  To ensure blood flows in one direction
• How do valves function in the heart?

  They open with higher pressure from behind
• What is the significance of the septum?

  It prevents mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood
• What are the key structures of the heart?

  • Four chambers: left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle, right ventricle
  • Four major blood vessels: aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, vena cava
  • Coronary arteries supplying cardiac muscle
  • Two sets of valves: atrioventricular and semilunar
• What are the unique properties of cardiac muscle?

  • Myogenic: contracts without nervous input
  • Does not fatigue with oxygen and glucose
• What are the functions of the heart's chambers?

  • Atria: receive blood
  • Ventricles: pump blood out
• What is the role of the coronary arteries?

  • Supply cardiac muscle with oxygenated blood
  • Prevent fatigue of cardiac muscle
• What is the importance of the septum in the heart?

  • Separates oxygenated and deoxygenated blood
  • Maintains high oxygen concentration in blood