The Path of Blood Through the Heart and Vascular System

Blood Vessels Overview

• Veins: Carry blood towards the heart.
• Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart.
• Color Indicators:
  • Blue: Represents deoxygenated blood in vessels.
  • Red: Represents oxygenated blood from the lungs.

Blood Flow Pathway

Venous Return to the Heart

• Superior Vena Cava: Receives blood from the head, neck, upper limbs, and chest.
• Inferior Vena Cava: Receives blood from the trunk, viscera, and lower limbs.
• Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from both venae cavae.

Heart Chambers and Valves

• Heart Chambers: Four chambers (right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle)
• Heart Valves: Four valves ensure one-way blood flow:
  • Tricuspid Valve: Leads blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
  • Pulmonary Valve: Directs blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
  • Mitral/Bicuspid Valve: Moves blood from left atrium to left ventricle.
  • Aortic Semi-Lunar Valve: Allows oxygenated blood to exit the left ventricle into the aorta.

Pulmonary Circulation

• Pulmonary Artery: Carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
  • Splits into left and right pulmonary arteries.
• Gas Exchange in Lungs: Blood releases carbon dioxide and absorbs oxygen.
• Pulmonary Veins: Return oxygenated blood from lungs to the left atrium.

Systemic Circulation

• Left Ventricle: Pumps oxygenated blood through the aortic semi-lunar valve.
• Aortic Arch: Distributes oxygenated blood to the body.
  • Three Major Branches: Supply blood to the head and arms.
• Descending Aorta: Continues through the chest and abdomen.
  • Pelvis and Legs: Supplied by branches of the descending aorta.

Additional Notes

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