The Heart: Structure, Function, and Blood Flow

Question-and-Answer flashcards covering basic anatomy, function, and blood flow through the human heart.

What are the four chambers of the human heart?

Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

Which valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle?

The mitral (bicuspid) valve.

Which valve prevents back-flow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium?

The tricuspid valve.

Where is the sinoatrial (SA) node located, and what is its role?

Located in the right atrium; it acts as the heart’s natural pacemaker by initiating electrical impulses.

Trace the major pathway of blood starting from systemic veins back to systemic arteries.

Systemic veins → superior/inferior vena cava → right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonary valve → pulmonary arteries → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium → mitral valve → left ventricle → aortic valve → aorta → systemic arteries.

What is the primary function of the heart?

To pump blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.

Which side of the heart handles deoxygenated blood?

The right side (right atrium and right ventricle).

Which side of the heart handles oxygenated blood?

The left side (left atrium and left ventricle).

What structure separates the left and right sides of the heart?

The septum (interatrial septum and interventricular septum).

Name the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle itself with oxygenated blood.

The coronary arteries.