Heart Anatomy and Function

Heart Location and Protection

• The heart is located in the chest, surrounded by ribs for protection.

• The heart sits between the right and left lungs.

• The diaphragm is a muscle located below the lungs and heart.

• The ribs, diaphragm, and the space they enclose is called the thorax, which contains the lungs and heart.

Heart's Primary Function

• The heart functions as a powerful pump to ensure constant blood flow throughout the body.

Systemic Flow

• Systemic flow refers to blood circulation to the entire body.

• Blood enters the heart through veins, specifically the superior vena cava (from the upper body) and the inferior vena cava (from the lower body).

• The heart pumps blood out through an artery called the aorta.

Pulmonary Flow

• Pulmonary flow refers to the circulation of blood to the lungs for oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal.

• Before sending blood to the body, the heart sends it to the lungs.

• Blood returns from the lungs to the heart before being pumped out through the aorta.

Cellular Perspective of Blood Flow

• Cells, like a toe cell, require oxygen and nutrients for survival, and they produce waste products like carbon dioxide.

• Without blood flow, waste accumulates around cells, and they don't receive necessary oxygen or nutrients, leading to cell death.

• Blood flow removes waste and delivers oxygen and nutrients, ensuring cell survival.

Coronary Vessels

• Coronary blood vessels (arteries and veins) serve the heart muscle itself.

• The heart consists of numerous cells that require oxygen, nutrients, and waste removal.

• Coronary vessels provide blood supply to these cells, ensuring the heart's function.

• Since coronary vessels serve the needs of cells, they fall under systemic flow.