The Cardiovascular System:

The Heart

Location of the Heart
Thoracic cavity between two lungs
~2/3 to left of midline
surrounded by pericardium:
Fibrous pericardium -
Inelastic and anchors heart in place
Inside is serous pericardium - double
layer around heart
Filled with pericardial fluid - reduces friction
during beat.
Position of the Heart
Functions of the Heart
1. Generates blood pressure
2. Routing blood
pulmonary, systemic circulation
1. One way blood flow
2. Regulates blood supply
Chambers of the Heart
4 chambers
2 upper chambers = Atria
Between is interatrial septum

2 lower chambers = ventricles
Between is interventricular septum
LV thicker wall
- contracts more forcefully
- generates greater BP
Structure of the Heart
Structure of the Heart
Structure of the Heart
Great Vessels Of Heart-Right
Superior & inferior Vena Cavae
Delivers deoxygenated blood to R. atrium
from body
Coronary sinus drains heart muscle veins
R. Atrium R. Ventricle
pumps through Pulmonary Trunk
R & L pulmonary arteries
lungs
Great Vessels Of Heart-Left
Pulmonary Veins from lungs
oxygenated blood
L. atrium Left ventricle
ascending aorta body

Valves
Designed to prevent back flow in response
to pressure changes
Atrioventricular (AV) valves
Between atria and ventricles
Right = tricuspid valve (3 cusps)
Left = bicuspid or mitral valve
Semilunar valves near origin of aorta &
pulmonary trunk
Aortic & pulmonary valves respectively
Atrioventricular Valves: Bicuspid
Valves
Blood Flow
Through
Heart
Blood Flow
Exercise and the Heart
Aerobic exercise (longer than 20 min)
strengthens cardiovascular system
Atherosclerotic plaque-depots of chole, lipid
Coronary thrombosis
Infarct-dead heart

Blood Pressure
Device used: sphygmomanometer
Usually on brachial artery
Inflate cuff to raise pressure > systolic BP
Briefly stop blood flow there
Lower pressure in cuff until flow just starts
First sound indicates systolic BP
Lower pressure further until sound become
faint
Diastolic BP
Normal BP values <120 mm Hg for systolic
and < 80 mm Hg for diastolic