Activity 48.2 The Human Heart

What is the function of the pulmonary valve?

It prevents blood from flowing back from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle.

What is the function of the atrioventricular valve?

It prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium. This valve also exists between the right ventricle and the right atrium.

Where does the inferior vena cava collect blood from?

It is a large vein that collects blood from the lower body.

What is the function of the pulmonary artery?

It transports deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

What is the function of the superior vena cava?

It collects blood from the upper body.

What are the aorta and descending aorta?

The main trunks of the arteries leading to the systemic (as opposed to the pulmonary) circulation.

What is the function of the aortic valve?

It prevents backflow of blood into the left ventricle.

What is the function of the left atrium

It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.

What is the function of the left ventricle?

The walls of this part contain powerful muscles that force blood into the aorta to begin its circulation throughout the body.

What is the function of the pulmonary veins?

They carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

What is the function of the right ventricle?

It pumps blood into the pulmonary circuit.

What does the right atrium do?

It receives deoxygenated blood from the tissues of the body.