Heart Anatomy Notes

Heart Valves

• There are two valves: the bicuspid and tricuspid valves.
• The bicuspid valve has one less piece, making it more simple and robust.
• The bicuspid valve is stronger and can handle more pressure, located on the left-hand side of the heart, serving the systemic circuit.

Heart Murmurs

• Heart murmurs can occur due to valve leakage.
• They can also be present in younger individuals due to issues with the interventricular septum.

Major Blood Vessels

• The major vessels are large and robust.
• The maximum pressure coming out of the heart is found in these vessels.
• The heart itself is cardiac muscle, while the aorta has smooth muscle with vascular tunics.

Pericardium and Fat

• The pericardium, or the covering of the heart, can be patchy.
• Fat on the outside of the heart provides extra insulation.

Pericardial Membrane

• The heart sits within a pericardial membrane, a sac that connects to the sternum and extends upwards.
• When opening a critter, the sac encapsulates the heart and connects to the sternum.

Bone Marrow

• Bones have hollow areas containing bone marrow.