Grade 8 Science Lab: The Heart as a Pump System

Name Block

Date

Function Structure Name 1. Atria Description

Acts as a pump; creates a force that pushes blood

Behavior

Contribution to Function

2. Ventricles

Ear-like; thin-walled upper chamber; left and right Thick-walled lower chamber; separated by a septum into a L and R Flap-like structures; tough Smooth and big; major artery; originates from left ventricle Major vein that leads into the right atrium Artery that arises from right ventricle and leads to lung Vein that arises from lung to the left atrium Tiny blood vessels along exterior of heart Tiny blood vessels along exterior of heart

Collecting chamber

Collection

Pumping chamber

Actual pump

3. Valves

Prevents backflow Carries oxygenated blood (OB) to rest of the body Brings deoxygenated blood (DOB) back to the heart Brings DOB from heart to lung Brings OB from lung back to the heart Brings OB to the heart muscles Drains DOB from heart muscles to the right atrium Separates right and left side of heart;

Maintain steady pressure; no leaks Main pathway for delivery

4. Aorta

5. Vena Cava

Main pathway for collection

6. Pulmonary artery 7. Pulmonary Vein 8. Coronary artery 9. Coronary veins 10. Septum

Pathway to lungs

Pathway from lungs to heart

Nutrient supply

Removal of waste prevents mixing of OB and DOB

Muscular wall

Interconnection
Describe how the different structures work together to perform its function

The heart is a 2 -pump system rolled into one. I t consists of blood vessels that serve as pathway for blood to move in and out of the heart, a collecting chamber, and a pumping chamber. It also has its own energy (nutrient) source and waste disposal structure. These structures have specific features that allow the heart to work together efficiently throughout a persons life. The collecting chambers have thin walls to accommodate more blood while the ventricles or pumping chambers are thick and strong to generate the force required to pump blood. There are valves to prevent a back flow ensuring steady pressure and efficient blood flow within the heart. Since the heart itself is a muscle, it requires energy and has its own nutrient source. It also has a pathway for removing waste. The heart is a great example of an efficient system. There is nor room for failure.