Human Heart Anatomy and Functions

Flashcards covering the anatomy and functions of the human heart.

Pericardium

A double-layered membrane that surrounds the heart like a sac.

Epicardium

The outer layer of the pericardium that surrounds the heart's major blood vessels.

Endocardium

The inner layer of the pericardium that is attached to the heart muscle.

Septum

The wall that divides the heart into two halves, each further divided into chambers.

Atria

The upper chambers of the heart, consisting of the left atrium and right atrium.

Ventricles

The lower chambers of the heart, consisting of the left ventricle and right ventricle.

Tricuspid Valve

The heart valve that regulates blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Pulmonary Valve

The valve that controls blood flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary arteries.

Mitral Valve

The valve that allows oxygen-rich blood to pass from the left atrium into the left ventricle.

Aortic Valve

The valve that opens the way for oxygen-rich blood to pass from the left ventricle into the aorta.

Aorta

The body's largest artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.

Cardiac Cycle

The continuous sequence of events in the heart as it pumps blood.

Left Ventricle

The largest and strongest chamber in the heart, responsible for pumping blood into the aorta.

Superior Vena Cava

A large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium.

Pulmonary Artery

The artery that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Pulmonary Vein

The vein that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the left atrium.