Anatomy of the Heart
Let's dive into the fascinating structure of our body's most important pump - the heart! Understanding its anatomy is crucial for grasping how our cardiovascular system functions during exercise and rest.
Heart Chambers
The heart consists of four main chambers:
- Right Atrium (RA)
- Upper right chamber
- Receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cava
- Acts as a collection chamber
- Right Ventricle (RV)
- Lower right chamber
- Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs
- Has thinner walls compared to the left ventricle
- Left Atrium (LA)
- Upper left chamber
- Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs via pulmonary veins
- Slightly thicker walls than the right atrium
- Left Ventricle (LV)
- Lower left chamber
- Thickest walls of all chambers
- Pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body
The left ventricle has the thickest walls because it needs to generate enough pressure to pump blood throughout the entire body.
Heart Valves
The heart has four main valves that ensure one-way blood flow:
- Tricuspid Valve
- Located between right atrium and right ventricle