Anatomy of the Heart: Exploring Heartstrings

Jun 21, 2024

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Anatomy of the Heart: Exploring Heartstrings

Introduction

  • Presenter: Jonathan from the Institute of Human Anatomy
  • Objective: Learn about heart strings (Chordae tendineae), their functions, and potential issues if they snap.
  • Style: Interactive, engaging, with hands-on dissection and virtual journey.

Basic Concepts

  • Heart Location: Center of the chest, 2/3 left of midline, behind the sternum.
  • Sternum: Bone located in the center of the chest.
  • Pericardial Sac: Sac surrounding the heart.
  • Thoracic Cavity: Contains diaphragm, lungs, and heart.

External Structures

  • Epicardium: Outer layer, contains epicardial fat.
  • Aorta: Largest artery, provides basic external structure view.

Heart Dissections

Internal Structure and Valves

  • Heart Valves: Ensure unilateral (one-way) blood flow.
  • Four Main Valves: Prevent backflow of blood, two have heart strings.

Right Atrium

  • Function: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
  • Right Atrium Features:
    • Pectinate Muscle: Muscle fibers aiding contraction.
    • Tricuspid Valve: Three cusps, allows blood flow to right ventricle.

Heart Strings (Chordae Tendineae)

  • Location: Found on the tricuspid and mitral valves.
  • Function: Prevents valve prolapse/backflow of blood.
  • Attached To: Papillary muscles (nipple-like projections).

Right Ventricle

  • Muscle Features:
    • Trabeculae Carneae: Beams of muscle aiding contraction.
  • Valve Function: Modified saloon doors to prevent backflow.

Pulmonary Valve and Trunk

  • Pulmonary Valve: No heart strings, allows passive blood flow.
  • Pulmonary Trunk: Takes deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation.

Left Atrium

  • Function: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
  • Mitral/Bicuspid Valve: Two cusps, also has heart strings.
  • Chordae Tendineae on the Left Side: Also attaches to papillary muscles.

Left Ventricle and Prolapse

  • Process: Blood flows out through the aortic valve to the body.
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse: Happens if chordae tendineae snap, causing backflow, increased heart workload.
  • Damage Causes: Infections (endocarditis, rheumatic heart disease), connective tissue disorders.

Final Notes

  • Importance: Proper functioning of heart strings crucial for preventing valve prolapse.
  • Educational Tools: ShareCare YOU platform for interactive learning.
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Use metaphorical heartstrings wisely! 🫀

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