Anatomy of the Heart

Introduction

• The heart is the main organ of the circulatory system.
• It pumps blood throughout the body.
• Size: approximately the size of a fist.

Structure of the Heart

Layers

• Endocardium: inner layer.
• Myocardium: middle, muscular layer.
• Epicardium: outer layer.

Chambers

• Right atrium
• Left atrium
• Right ventricle
• Left ventricle

Valves

• Tricuspid valve: between the right atrium and right ventricle.
• Mitral valve: between the left atrium and left ventricle.
• Pulmonary valve: exit from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries.
• Aortic valve: exit from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Function of the Heart

• Generate pressure to move blood.
• Pump oxygenated blood to tissues and organs.

Cardiac Cycle

1. Atrial filling: blood enters the atria.
2. Atrial contraction: blood moves to the ventricles.
3. Ventricular contraction: blood is ejected into the arteries.

Blood Supply to the Heart

• Coronary arteries: supply blood to the heart.
• Coronary veins: drain blood from the heart.

Electrical Conduction

• Sinoatrial node: the heart's natural pacemaker.
• AV (atrioventricular) node: transmits the impulse from the sinoatrial node to the ventricles.
• Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers: distribute the electrical impulse throughout the ventricles.

Heart Diseases

• Atherosclerosis: plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Heart failure: the heart does not pump enough blood.
• Arrhythmias: problems with the heart's rhythm.

Prevention and Treatment

• Healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular exercise.
• Medication: to control blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.
• Surgery: in severe cases such as bypass or angioplasty.