Deck 5: Step-by-Step Blood Flow Through the Heart

Step 1: Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart

Aka Enters via the Superior and Inferior Vena Cava.

Step 2: First chamber

Aka Blood flows into the Right Atrium.

Step 3: First valve crossed

Aka Blood passes through the Tricuspid Valve.

Step 4: Second chamber

Aka Blood enters the Right Ventricle.

Step 5: Second valve crossed

Aka Blood passes through the Pulmonic (Pulmonary Semilunar) Valve.

Step 6: Leaving the heart for the lungs

Aka Blood travels through the Pulmonary Artery (the only artery carrying deoxygenated blood).

Step 7: The lung destination

aka Blood enters the Lungs to drop off carbon dioxide and pick up oxygen.

Step 8: Returning oxygenated blood

aka Blood returns to the heart via the Pulmonary Veins (the only veins carrying oxygenated blood).

Step 9: Third chamber

Blood enters the Left Atrium.

Step 10: Third valve crossed

• Blood passes through the Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve.

Step 11: Fourth chamber

Aka Blood enters the Left Ventricle (the thickest, strongest chamber).

Step 12: Fourth valve crossed

Blood passes through the Aortic (Aortic Semilunar) Valve.

Step 13: Final exit out to the body

Blood shoots into the Aorta to distribute oxygen to the rest of the body.