Structure of the heart

Coronary Arteries

Function:

• Carries oxygen to the heart muscle

Myocardial:

• If the coronary arteries become blocked the amount of oxygen needed for respiration is not met, causing the heart muscle to die (Heart attack)

Arteries and Veins

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, Veins carry blood towards the heart

Aorta

Connected to the left ventricle

Carries oxygenated blood to all parts of the body except the lungs

Vena Cava

Connected to the right atrium

Brings deoxygenated blood back from the tissues of the body (except the lungs)

Pulmonary artery

Connected to the right ventricle

Carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs, where its oxygen is replenished and its carbon dioxide is removed

Usually for an artery, it carries deoxygenated blood

Pulmonary Vein

Connected to the left atrium

Brings oxygenated blood back from the lungs

Usually for a vein, it carries oxygenated blood