Structure of heart

This article discusses in detail the structure and function of heart and its role in the human body. When your hand is clenched into a fist, it is approximately the size of your heart. The most vital organ of our body is located in the centre of the chest and slightly to the left of the breastbone. Since heart disease is very common and usually quiet until it strikes, it is important to be aware of the factors that put your heart in danger. Numerous risk factors for coronary heart disease are controllable. By implementing lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of cardiac diseases. Where is the heart located? The heart is located in the middle of your chest, between the lungs and under the rib cage slightly to the left of the sternum (breastbone). The primary function of the heart is to pump blood and supply oxygen and nutrients to your cells. The heart consists of four chambers – two upper chambers called the right and left atria and two lower sections called the right and left ventricles. There are valves between the upper and lower chambers that ensure blood flows only in a single direction through your heart. How big is the heart? A thorough understanding of the shape and size of the heart is essential to understanding the structure and function of the heart. The size of your heart is almost the same as the size of your clenched fist. Men have larger hearts than women. Athletes engaged in high-intensity training tend to have larger hearts, too. The heart weighs in ...

The rhythmic noises accompanying the heartbeat are called heart sounds. The two distinct sounds are heard, a low, slightly prolonged “lub” (first sound) occurring at the beginning of ventricular contraction or systole and a sharper, higher-pitched “dup” (second sound), caused by the closure of aortic and pulmonary valves at the end of systole. heart, In humans and other Explore the human heart and how the cardiovascular system help circulate blood throughout the body The heart, although a single organ, can be considered as two pumps that The low-pressure circuit from the heart (right atrium and right ventricle), through the lungs, and back to the heart (left atrium)

Overview Your aorta is the main vessel that takes oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. What is the aorta? The aorta is a cane-shaped artery. It starts in the lower-left chamber of your heart (ventricle). From there, it extends up toward your head a short distance before curving down. The aorta passes through your chest and abdominal cavities and ends at your pelvis. Pairs of smaller blood vessels branch off from various points of the aorta. These branches extend the reach of the aorta to muscles, nerves and organs throughout your body. How large is the aorta? The aorta is the largest What is the aorta made of? It’s a complex structure that has three layers of tissue. These include: • Inner layer (tunica intima): This is the tube through which blood passes. It contains smooth muscle tissue, connective tissue and endothelial cells. These special cells enable blood to transport oxygen and nutrients without getting absorbed until it reaches the right spot. • Middle layer (tunica media): This layer is made of smooth muscle tissue, elastin and collagen (proteins). These substances enable the aorta to meet your body’s changing blood flow needs. When more blood is necessary, the aorta widens. If less blood is needed, it narrows. • Outer layer (tunica adventitia): The outer layer anchors the aorta in place. It also connects to nearby nerves and tissue. Function What is the function of the aorta? The aorta is the main vessel through which oxygen-rich blood tra...

This is a false-color scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showing an aggregation of red blood cells on the endocardium, the lining of the heart. P. MOTTA/University 'LA SAPIENZA', Rome/Getty Images Endocardium (endo-cardium) is the thin inner layer of the heart wall. This layer lines the inner heart chambers, covers Bailey, Regina. "The 3 Layers of the Heart Wall." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/the-heart-wall-4022792. Bailey, Regina. (2023, April 5). The 3 Layers of the Heart Wall. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/the-heart-wall-4022792 Bailey, Regina. "The 3 Layers of the Heart Wall." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-heart-wall-4022792 (accessed June 15, 2023).

heart, Organ that pumps blood, circulating it to all parts of the body ( see see vena cava) and propels it into the pulmonary circulation. The left atrium takes in blood from the pulmonary veins and sends it into the systemic circulation. Electrical signals from a natural pacemaker cause the heart muscle to contract. Valves in the heart keep blood flowing in one direction. Their snapping shut after each contraction causes the sounds heard as the heartbeat. See also Related Article Summaries