The Cardiovascular System:

The Heart

Location of the Heart

Thoracic cavity between two lungs

surrounded by pericardium:
Fibrous pericardium

~2/3 to left of midline

Inelastic and anchors heart in place

Inside is serous pericardium - double

layer around heart

Filled with pericardial fluid - reduces friction

during beat.

Position of the Heart

Functions of the Heart

1.

2.

1.
2.

Generates blood pressure

Routing blood
pulmonary, systemic circulation
One way blood flow
Regulates blood supply

Chambers of the Heart

4 chambers
2 upper chambers = Atria

Between is interatrial septum

2 lower chambers = ventricles

Between is interventricular septum

LV thicker wall
- contracts more forcefully
- generates greater BP

Structure of the Heart

Structure of the Heart

Structure of the Heart

Great Vessels Of Heart-Right

Superior & inferior Vena Cavae

Delivers deoxygenated blood to R. atrium
from body
Coronary sinus drains heart muscle veins
R. Atrium R. Ventricle
pumps through Pulmonary Trunk
R & L pulmonary arteries
lungs

Great Vessels Of Heart-Left

Pulmonary Veins from lungs

oxygenated blood

L. atrium Left ventricle

ascending aorta body

Valves

Designed to prevent back flow in response

to pressure changes
Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Between atria and ventricles

Right = tricuspid valve (3 cusps)

Left = bicuspid or mitral valve
Semilunar valves near origin of aorta &
pulmonary trunk
Aortic & pulmonary valves respectively

Atrioventricular Valves: Bicuspid

Valves

Blood Flow
Through
Heart

Blood Flow

Exercise and the Heart

Aerobic exercise (longer than 20 min)

strengthens cardiovascular system
Atherosclerotic plaque-depots of chole, lipid
Coronary thrombosis
Infarct-dead heart

Blood Pressure

Device used: sphygmomanometer

Inflate cuff to raise pressure > systolic BP

First sound indicates systolic BP

Lower pressure further until sound become

faint

Briefly stop blood flow there

Lower pressure in cuff until flow just starts

Usually on brachial artery

Diastolic BP

Normal BP values <120 mm Hg for systolic

and < 80 mm Hg for diastolic