Lecture Notes: The Human Heart

B. Circulatory System:
Introduction:
The human heart is a remarkable organ that
plays a vital role in the circulatory system.
This lecture will delve into the anatomy,
function, and importance of the human heart
in maintaining overall health.
I. Anatomy of the Heart:
A. Location and Size:
1. The heart is located in the thoracic cavity,
between the lungs, and rests on the diaphragm.
2. Roughly the size of a clenched fist, it
weighs approximately 250 to 350 grams.
B. Chambers:
1. The heart has four chambers: two atria
(upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower
chambers).
2. Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated
blood from the body.
3. Right Ventricle: Pumps deoxygenated
blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
4. Left Atrium: Receives oxygenated blood
from the lungs.
5. Left Ventricle: Pumps oxygenated blood
to the rest of the body.
1. Blood vessels, including arteries, veins,
and capillaries, facilitate the transport of
oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.
2. The continuous circulation ensures the
delivery of oxygen to cells and the removal of
waste.
C. Cardiac Cycle:
1. Systole: Contraction of the heart muscle,
ejecting blood.
2. Diastole: Relaxation of the heart muscle,
allowing chambers to fill with blood.
III. Importance of the Heart:
A. Oxygen Supply:
1. The heart's main function is to ensure a
continuous and adequate supply of oxygen to
all tissues and organs.
B. Maintaining Blood Pressure:
1. The heart regulates blood pressure by
adjusting the force with which it pumps blood.
C. Nutrient Delivery:
1. Nutrient-rich blood is delivered to cells,
providing the necessary energy for cellular
functions.

C. Valves: D. Waste Removal:

1. Tricuspid Valve: Separates the right 1. Deoxygenated blood carries waste
atrium from the right ventricle. products, which are eventually filtered out by
2. Pulmonary Valve: Controls blood flow the lungs and kidneys.
from the right ventricle to the lungs.
3. Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve: Separates the
left atrium from the left ventricle.
4. Aortic Valve: Controls blood flow from
the left ventricle to the rest of the body.

D. Blood Vessels:
1. Coronary Arteries: Supply oxygenated
blood to the heart muscle.
2. Coronary Veins: Collect deoxygenated
blood from the heart muscle.

II. Function of the Heart:

A. Pumping Action:
1. The heart acts as a powerful pump,
maintaining blood circulation throughout the
body.
2. The right side pumps deoxygenated blood
to the lungs for oxygenation.
3. The left side pumps oxygenated blood to
the rest of the body.