Erbil Polytechnic University

Shaqlawa Technical College

Medical Laboratory Technology Department
1st Semester of 1st Stage

Heart physiology

Prepared by: Supervised by :

Zahra Idris Adam Dr.Ali Zainal Omar
Group: A
Cours Name : Pr.Anatomy & physiology

2023-2024
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Introduction .................................................................................................. 2
heart ................................................................................................................ 3
Heart walls .................................................................................................. 4
Heart chambers............................................................................................. 4
Heart valves .................................................................................................. 5
Blood vessels................................................................................................ 6

Electrical conduction system ....................................................................... 7

coronery artery disease ................................................................................ 8
Arrhythmia ................................................................................................... 9
References .................................................................................................... 10

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 INTRODUCTION

The human heart is a remarkable organ that tirelessly pumps blood

throughout the body, ensuring the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to every
cell. Its intricate structure and coordinated function are essential for
maintaining overall health and vitality. Understanding the physiology of the
heart is crucial for diagnosing and managing cardiovascular diseases, as well
as developing innovative treatments and interventions.
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of heart physiology,
delving into the intricate mechanisms that govern its function. By exploring
the various aspects of cardiac anatomy, electrical conduction, and mechanical
contraction, we will gain a deeper understanding of how the heart efficiently
performs its vital role in the circulatory system.
Firstly, we will examine the anatomy of the heart, highlighting its four
chambers, valves, and major blood vessels. Understanding the structure of the
heart is fundamental to comprehending its function and the flow of blood
through its various compartments.
Next, we will explore the electrical conduction system of the heart, which
coordinates the rhythmic contraction of its chambers. From the initiation of
the electrical impulse in the sinoatrial (SA) node to its propagation through
the atria and ventricles, we will unravel the intricate network of specialized
cells responsible for maintaining a regular heartbeat.
Moving on, we will delve into the mechanical contraction of the heart,
focusing on the cardiac cycle and the events that occur during systole and
diastole. We will discuss the role of the heart's muscular walls, the cardiac
output, and the regulation of blood flow to meet the body's demands.
By the end of this report, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of
heart physiology, enabling them to appreciate the intricacies of cardiac
function and its relevance in clinical practice. Armed with this knowledge,
healthcare professionals can make informed decisions, provide optimal
patient care, and contribute to advancements in cardiovascular medicine.

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 HEART
Your heart is the main organ of your cardiovascular system, a network of
blood vessels that pumps blood throughout your body. It also works with other
body systems to control your heart rate and blood pressure. Your family
history, personal health history and lifestyle all affect how well your heart
works.
The heart is a fist-sized organ that pumps blood throughout your body. It's the
primary organ of your circulatory system.
Your heart contains four main sections (chambers) made of muscle and
powered by electrical impulses. Your brain and nervous system direct your
heart’s function.
Your heart is located in the front of your chest. It sits slightly behind and to
the left of your sternum (breastbone). Your ribcage protects your heart.
The inside and outside of your heart contain components that direct blood
flow:

Inside of the Heart: Outside of the Heart:

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The parts of your heart are like the parts of a house. Your heart has:
• Walls.
• Chambers (rooms).
• Valves (doors).
• Blood vessels (plumbing).
• Electrical conduction system (electricity).

1. Heart walls :
Your heart walls are the muscles that contract (squeeze) and relax to send
blood throughout your body. A layer of muscular tissue called the septum
divides your heart walls into the left and right sides.
Your heart walls have three layers:
• Endocardium: Inner layer.
• Myocardium: Muscular middle layer.
• Epicardium: Protective outer layer.
The epicardium is one layer of your pericardium. The pericardium is a
protective sac that covers your entire heart. It produces fluid to lubricate your
heart and keep it from rubbing against other organs.

2. Heart chambers:
Your heart is divided into four chambers. You have
two chambers on the top (atrium, plural atria) and two
on the bottom (ventricles), one on each side of the
heart.
Right atrium: Two large veins deliver oxygen-poor
blood to your right atrium. The superior vena cava
carries blood from your upper body. The inferior vena
cava brings blood from the lower body. Then the right
atrium pumps the blood to your right ventricle.

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Right ventricle: The lower right chamber pumps the oxygen-poor blood to
your lungs through the pulmonary artery. The lungs reload blood with oxygen.
Left atrium: After the lungs fill blood with oxygen, the pulmonary veins
carry the blood to the left atrium. This upper chamber pumps the blood to your
left ventricle.
Left ventricle: The left ventricle is slightly larger than the right. It pumps
oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body.

3. Heart valves:
Your heart valves are like doors between your heart chambers. They open and
close to allow blood to flow through.
The atrioventricular (AV) valves
open between your upper and
lower heart chambers. They
include:
• Tricuspid valve: Door
between your right atrium and
right ventricle.
• Mitral valve: Door between
your left atrium and left
ventricle.
Semilunar (SL) valves open
when blood flows out of your ventricles. They include:
• Aortic valve: Opens when blood flows out of your left ventricle to your
aorta (artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to your body).
• Pulmonary valve: Opens when blood flows from your right ventricle to
your pulmonary arteries (the only arteries that carry oxygen-poor blood to
your lungs).

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4. Blood vessels:
Your heart pumps blood through three types of blood vessels:
• Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your body’s tissues.
The exception is your pulmonary arteries, which go to your lungs.
• Veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to your heart.
• Capillaries are small blood vessels where your body exchanges oxygen-
rich and oxygen-poor blood.
Your heart receives nutrients through a network of coronary arteries These
arteries run along your heart’s surface. They serve the heart itself.
• Left coronary artery: Divides into two branches (the circumflex artery
and the left anterior descending artery).
• Circumflex artery: Supplies blood to the left atrium and the side and
back of the left ventricle.
• Left anterior descending artery (LAD): Supplies blood to the front and
bottom of the left ventricle and the front of the septum.
• Right coronary artery (RCA): Supplies blood to the right atrium, right
ventricle, bottom portion of the left ventricle and back of the septum.

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5. Electrical conduction system:
Your heart’s conduction system is like the electrical wiring of a house. It
controls the rhythm and pace of your heartbeat .It includes:
• Sinoatrial (SA) node: Sends the signals that make your heart beat.
• Atrioventricular (AV) node: Carries electrical signals from your heart’s
upper chambers to its lower ones.
Your heart also has a network of electrical bundles and fibers. This network
includes:
• Left bundle branch: Sends electric impulses to your left ventricle.
• Right bundle branch: Sends electric impulses to your right ventricle.
• Bundle of His: Sends impulses from your AV node to the Purkinje fibers.
• Purkinje fibers: Make your heart ventricles contract and pump out blood.

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What is the coronery artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition. The major blood

vessels that supply the heart (coronary arteries) struggle to send enough blood,
oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. Cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the
heart arteries and inflammation are usually the cause of coronary artery
disease.
Signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease occur when the heart doesn't
get enough oxygen-rich blood. If you have coronary artery disease, reduced
blood flow to the heart can cause chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath.
A complete blockage of blood flow can cause a heart attack.
Coronary artery disease often develops over decades. Symptoms may go
unnoticed until a significant blockage causes problems or a heart attack
occurs. Following a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent coronary artery
disease.
Coronary artery disease may also be called coronary heart disease.

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What is an Arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is a problem with the rate or rhythm of
your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an
irregular rhythm.
It is normal for your heart rate to speed up during physical activity and to slow
down while resting or sleeping. It is also normal to feel as if your heart skips
a beat occasionally. But a frequent irregular rhythm may mean that your heart
is not pumping enough blood to your body. You may feel dizzy, faint, or have
other symptoms .
Arrhythmias are treatable with medicine or procedures to control the irregular
rhythms. If not treated, arrhythmias can damage the heart, brain, or other
organs. This can lead to life-threatening stroke heart failure, or cardiac
arrest.During cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops
beating, causing death if it is not treated within minutes.
If you have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia, your doctor may talk to you
about healthy lifestyle changes you can make. You may need to avoid
activities that may trigger your arrhythmia. These steps may help prevent your
arrhythmia from getting worse .

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 REFERENCES

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17067-heart-valves
https://byjus.com/biology/human-heart/
https://www.mayoclinic.org
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/arrhythmias
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
https://www.britannica.com/science/heart

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