Overview
This lecture explains the blood flow through the heart by dividing it into right and left sides, describing the path of blood, key valves, and their functions.
Heart Structure and Sides
- The heart is divided into the right and left sides, each with a distinct function.
- The right side handles deoxygenated blood and sends it to the lungs for oxygenation.
- The left side manages oxygenated blood and sends it throughout the body.
Blood Flow Through the Right Side
- Blood enters the right atrium from the superior and inferior vena cava (deoxygenated).
- It moves from the right atrium through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle.
- The right ventricle pumps blood through the pulmonic valve into the pulmonary artery.
- The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs for gas exchange.
Gas Exchange in the Lungs
- Oxygen enters blood in lung alveoli, while carbon dioxide exits to be exhaled.
Blood Flow Through the Left Side
- Oxygenated blood returns from the lungs to the left atrium via the pulmonary vein.
- It passes through the bicuspid (mitral) valve into the left ventricle.
- The left ventricle pumps blood through the aortic valve into the aorta.
- The aorta distributes oxygenated blood to body tissues and organs.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Atrium — the upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.
- Ventricle — the lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out.
- Tricuspid Valve — separates right atrium and ventricle.
- Bicuspid (Mitral) Valve — separates left atrium and ventricle.
- Pulmonic Valve — between right ventricle and pulmonary artery.
- Aortic Valve — between left ventricle and aorta.
- Superior/Inferior Vena Cava — large veins bringing deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.
- Pulmonary Artery — carries blood from right ventricle to lungs.
- Pulmonary Vein — brings oxygenated blood from lungs to left atrium.
- Aorta — the main artery carrying oxygenated blood to the body.
Action Items / Next Steps
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