Anatomy Lab: Heart Strings and Valves

Introduction

• Journey through the heart, exploring the structure and function of heart strings and valves
• Presented by Jonathan from the Institute of Human Anatomy

Heart Anatomy Basics

• Location: Center of chest, slightly to the left, behind the sternum
• Covered by the pericardial sac

External Structures

• Epicardium: Yellow tissue made of epicardial fat
• Aorta: Largest artery

Internal Structures

• Four valves ensure one-directional blood flow: tricuspid, bicuspid (mitral), pulmonary, and aortic valves
• Heart dissection to view internal structures

Right Atrium

• Receives deoxygenated blood from the body
• Features pectinate muscle for contraction
• Blood passes through the tricuspid valve (with three cusps) into the right ventricle

Tricuspid Valve

• Contains chordae tendineae (heart strings)
• Papillary muscles (nipple-like) control tension on heart strings
• Trabeculae carneae help ventricle contraction

Right Ventricle

• Blood passes through the pulmonary valve to the pulmonary trunk
• Pulmonary valve does not have heart strings, prevents backflow with cup-like structures

Transition Through the Pulmonary Trunk

• Transfers deoxygenated blood to the lungs
• Blood returns oxygenated to the left atrium

Left Atrium

• Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs
• Blood moves through the mitral valve (bicuspid valve) into the left ventricle

Mitral Valve

• Two cusps, contains chordae tendineae
• Also controlled by papillary muscles
• Damage to chordae tendineae can cause valve prolapse, increasing heart workload

Left Ventricle

• Blood passes through the aortic valve into the aorta
• Aorta distributes blood throughout the body

Disorders Affecting the Heart Strings

• Infections (e.g., endocarditis, rheumatic heart disease)
• Connective tissue disorders impact collagen
• Damage can lead to valve prolapse

Conclusion

• Summary of heart functions and structures
• Mention of educational software by ShareCare YOU for further learning
• Reminder to support the channel with likes, subscriptions, and following for more content