Human Heart Anatomy

Heart Anatomy

• Atria: The right and left atria are the upper chambers that receive blood.
• Ventricles: The right and left ventricles are the lower chambers that pump blood out of the heart.
• Valves:
  • AV Valves (Tricuspid and Mitral): Control blood flow from the atria to the ventricles.
  • Pulmonary and Aortic Valves: Control blood flow out of the ventricles to the lungs and the body.

Circulatory System Components

• Superior and Inferior Vena Cavae: Large veins that return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.
• Pulmonary Arteries: Carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
• Pulmonary Veins: Return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
• Aorta: The main artery that distributes oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body.
• Capillaries: Tiny blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.

Helpful Mnemonics

• Atria (Lets in) -> Ventricles (Push out)
• Vena Cavae -> Right Atrium -> Right Ventricle -> Lungs (via Pulmonary Arteries) -> Left Atrium -> Left Ventricle -> Aorta

Diagram Labeling

• Draw a simple diagram of the heart, labeling the atria, ventricles, valves, and major blood vessels (vena cavae, pulmonary arteries, and aorta). Use colors to differentiate oxygenated (red) and deoxygenated (blue) blood pathways.

Study Tips

• Use flashcards with the diagrams on one side and labels on the other.
• Utilize online resources to watch videos illustrating blood flow through the heart.
• Practice labeling blank heart diagrams until it becomes second nature.