19.1 Heart Anatomy
4 min read•june 18, 2024
The heart, a fist-sized powerhouse, sits in the chest between the lungs. It's a complex pump with four chambers, valves, and layers of tissue. The heart's structure allows it to efficiently move blood through two circulatory loops.
Blood flows through the heart in a specific sequence, powered by coordinated contractions. The right side handles deoxygenated blood, while the left deals with oxygenated blood. Coronary vessels nourish the heart itself, ensuring it can keep up its vital work.
Heart Anatomy and Function
Position of heart in thorax
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- Located in the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity
- Roughly the size of a closed fist (human hand)
- Situated between the lungs (left and right)
- Two-thirds of the mass is to the left of the body's midline
- Protected by the sternum anteriorly, the vertebrae posteriorly, and the rib cage (thoracic cage)
- Rests on the diaphragm inferiorly
External and internal heart structures
- : pointed tip of the heart, situated inferiorly and pointing to the left
- : opposite the apex, situated superiorly and posteriorly
- : external groove marking the separation between the and
- : internal wall separating the right and left atria
- : internal wall separating the right and left ventricles
- Muscular part: thick, lower portion of the
- Membranous part: thin, upper portion of the interventricular
- : cone-shaped projections in the ventricles that attach to (heart strings)
- : fibrous strings that connect papillary muscles to the (mitral and tricuspid)
Layers of cardiac tissue
- : outer layer of the heart wall, composed of mesothelium and connective tissue (serous )
- : middle layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle tissue
- Responsible for the heart's contraction and pumping action
- : inner layer of the heart wall, composed of endothelial cells and connective tissue
- Continuous with the endothelial lining of blood vessels (arteries and veins)
- : protective sac surrounding the heart, consisting of fibrous and serous layers
Heart structure for pumping
- Atria: upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the veins
- receives deoxygenated blood from the systemic circulation (body)
- receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary circulation (lungs)
- Ventricles: lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out to the arteries
- pumps deoxygenated blood to the pulmonary circulation (lungs)
- pumps oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation (body)
- Valves: ensure unidirectional blood flow through the heart
- Atrioventricular (AV) valves: located between the atria and ventricles
- : between the right and right ventricle
- Mitral (bicuspid) : between the left atrium and left ventricle
- : located at the base of the and
- : at the base of the pulmonary trunk
- : at the base of the aorta
- Atrioventricular (AV) valves: located between the atria and ventricles
Systemic vs pulmonary circulation
- Systemic circulation: carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body tissues and returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium
- Aorta: largest artery in the body, carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle (to organs and tissues)
- Superior and : large veins that return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium (from upper and lower body)
- Pulmonary circulation: carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood to the left atrium
- Pulmonary trunk: large artery that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs (for oxygenation)
- : four veins that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium
Blood vessels of coronary circulation
- : supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle ()
- : arises from the left aortic sinus
- Left anterior descending (LAD) artery: supplies the anterior wall and interventricular septum
- : supplies the left lateral and posterior walls
- : arises from the right aortic sinus, supplies the right atrium, right ventricle, and posterior walls of the left ventricle
- : arises from the left aortic sinus
- : drain deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle (myocardium)
- : runs alongside the LAD artery
- : runs in the
- : runs along the right coronary artery
- : receives blood from the cardiac veins and empties into the right atrium
Blood flow through heart chambers
- Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium via the superior and inferior vena cava
- Blood flows through the into the right ventricle
- The right ventricle pumps blood through the into the pulmonary trunk and arteries, which carry it to the lungs for oxygenation
- Oxygenated blood returns from the lungs via the and enters the left atrium
- Blood flows through the into the left ventricle
- The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood through the into the aorta, which distributes it to the systemic circulation (body)
Cardiac function and regulation
- : the sequence of events that occur during one heartbeat, including systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation)
- : specialized cardiac tissues that generate and conduct electrical impulses to coordinate heart contractions
- : the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated by multiplying heart rate and
- Stroke volume: the amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle during one contraction
Key Terms to Review (92)
Anastomosis: Anastomosis is the connection or joining of two tubes or vessels that are normally separate, allowing fluid or blood to flow between them. In the context of heart anatomy, it typically refers to blood vessels connecting to ensure an alternative pathway for blood flow.
Anterior cardiac veins: The anterior cardiac veins are small blood vessels on the front surface of the heart that drain blood from the heart muscle (myocardium) directly into the right atrium. Unlike many other veins in the heart, they do not connect to the coronary sinus.
Anterior interventricular artery: The anterior interventricular artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the front part of the septum and both ventricles of the heart. It runs along the anterior interventricular sulcus, branching off from the left coronary artery.
Anterior interventricular sulcus: The anterior interventricular sulcus is a groove on the surface of the heart that marks the boundary between the left and right ventricles on the anterior aspect of the heart. It also contains blood vessels, such as parts of the left coronary artery and some small veins, that supply blood to the heart muscle.
Aorta: The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and serving as the main conduit for oxygenated blood to be distributed throughout the body. This crucial artery plays a central role in the heart's anatomy, the cardiac cycle, cardiac physiology, and the development of the cardiovascular system during fetal circulation.
Aortic valve: The aortic valve is a one-way valve located between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta, which prevents blood from flowing back into the heart once it has been pumped out. It consists of three cusps that open and close with each heartbeat.
Aortic Valve: The aortic valve is one of the four heart valves responsible for regulating the flow of blood through the heart. It is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, and its primary function is to ensure that blood flows in the correct direction during the cardiac cycle.
Apex: The apex, in the context of heart anatomy, refers to the pointed, lower end of the heart where the ventricles come together. It is the lowest and most prominent part of the heart's surface, marking the transition from the ventricles to the great vessels that carry blood away from the organ.
Atria: The atria are the upper chambers of the heart that receive blood flowing into the heart. They are responsible for collecting blood from the body and pumping it into the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart, which then pump the blood out to the lungs and the rest of the body.
Atrioventricular septum: The atrioventricular septum is a thick wall of muscle and fibrous tissue that separates the atria (upper chambers) from the ventricles (lower chambers) in the heart. It plays a crucial role in preventing blood from mixing between these chambers.
Atrioventricular valves: Atrioventricular valves are structures within the heart that prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria during contraction. They are located between the heart's upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles).
Atrium: An atrium is one of the two upper chambers in the heart that receives blood from the veins and pumps it into the lower chambers, known as ventricles. Each side of the heart has one atrium—the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, while the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
Base: A base is a chemical compound that can accept a proton (H+) from an acid, resulting in the formation of a salt and water. Bases are important in the context of heart anatomy, as they play a role in the regulation of pH levels within the cardiovascular system.
Bicuspid valve: The bicuspid valve, also known as the mitral valve, is a dual-flap (or leaflet) valve in the heart that lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Its primary function is to allow blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle while preventing backflow.
Cardiac cycle: The cardiac cycle is the sequence of events that occurs in the heart during one complete heartbeat, encompassing both the contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) of both atria and ventricles. It ensures blood is pumped effectively throughout the body.
Cardiac Cycle: The cardiac cycle refers to the sequence of events that occur during a single heartbeat, including the contraction and relaxation of the heart's chambers and the flow of blood through the cardiovascular system. This cycle is essential for maintaining the heart's pumping function and ensuring the continuous circulation of blood throughout the body.
Cardiac notch: The cardiac notch is an indentation on the surface of the left lung that accommodates the heart, allowing it to fit snugly within the thoracic cavity. This anatomical feature ensures that the space occupied by the lungs is shaped to allow room for the adjacent heart.
Cardiac Output: Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, which is a crucial measure of the heart's pumping ability and a key indicator of cardiovascular function. It is the product of heart rate and stroke volume, and it plays a central role in the delivery of oxygenated blood to the body's tissues.
Cardiac output (CO): Cardiac output is the volume of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in one minute. It is calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by one ventricle during a contraction) by the heart rate (the number of beats per minute).
Cardiac skeleton: The cardiac skeleton consists of dense connective tissue that provides structural support and insulation for the electrical impulses within the heart. It separates the atria from the ventricles and anchors heart valves and muscle fibers.
Cardiomyocyte: Cardiomyocytes are specialized muscle cells that make up the cardiac muscle tissue found in the heart. These cells are responsible for contracting and relaxing to pump blood throughout the body.
Chordae tendineae: Chordae tendineae are thin, cord-like structures that connect the papillary muscles to the tricuspid and mitral valves in the heart. They play a critical role in preventing the inversion of these valves during ventricular contraction.
Chordae Tendineae: The chordae tendineae, also known as the heart strings, are thin, fibrous cords that connect the papillary muscles to the cusps of the atrioventricular (AV) valves in the heart. These structures play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the heart's valves during the cardiac cycle.
Circumflex artery: The circumflex artery is a branch of the left coronary artery that encircles the heart muscle, primarily supplying blood to the left atrium and the side and back of the left ventricle. It plays a critical role in providing oxygen-rich blood to these parts of the heart.
Circumflex Artery: The circumflex artery is a branch of the left coronary artery that supplies blood to the left ventricle and part of the left atrium of the heart. It runs in the atrioventricular groove, encircling the left side of the heart.
Conduction System: The conduction system is a specialized network of cardiac muscle fibers responsible for the efficient and coordinated contraction of the heart. It ensures that the electrical impulses generated by the heart's pacemaker are rapidly and precisely transmitted throughout the myocardium, enabling the heart to pump blood effectively.
Coronary Arteries: The coronary arteries are a network of blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. They originate from the aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from the heart, and branch out to deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to the cardiac tissue.
Coronary sinus: The coronary sinus is a large vein on the posterior side of the heart that collects blood from the heart muscle (myocardium) and returns it to the right atrium. It plays a crucial role in the circulation of blood in the heart's venous system.
Coronary Sinus: The coronary sinus is a large venous structure that collects deoxygenated blood from the myocardium, or heart muscle, and returns it to the right atrium of the heart. It serves as the main venous drainage system for the heart.
Coronary sulcus: The coronary sulcus is a groove that encircles the heart, separating the atria above from the ventricles below. It also contains major blood vessels that supply the heart with nutrients and oxygen.
Coronary Veins: Coronary veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle (myocardium) back to the right atrium of the heart. They play a crucial role in the cardiovascular system by facilitating the return of used blood to the heart for reoxygenation and recirculation throughout the body.
Descending aorta: The descending aorta is the portion of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, that runs down through the chest (thoracic aorta) and abdomen (abdominal aorta), delivering oxygen-rich blood to the lower parts of the body. It follows the arch of the aorta and extends to where it bifurcates into the two common iliac arteries in the lower abdomen.
Endocardium: The endocardium is the innermost layer of tissue that lines the chambers of the heart and covers its valves. It is composed of a thin layer of endothelial cells that provide a smooth lining for the heart's interior to facilitate efficient blood flow.
Endocardium: The endocardium is the innermost layer of the heart, lining the cardiac chambers and valves. It is a thin, smooth membrane that plays a crucial role in the heart's anatomy and physiology.
Epicardial coronary arteries: Epicardial coronary arteries are the large vessels that run along the outer surface of the heart, supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. They are essential for providing the necessary nutrients and oxygen that the heart needs to function effectively.
Epicardium: The epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart's wall, consisting of a thin layer of connective tissue and fat that serves as a protective layer. It plays a crucial role in lubricating the heart to prevent friction during its contractions.
Foramen ovale: The foramen ovale is a small hole located in the septum, which is the wall between the right and left atria of the fetal heart. This opening allows blood to bypass the fetal lungs, which are not yet in use, by directly flowing from the right to the left atrium.
Fossa ovalis: The fossa ovalis is a depression in the interatrial septum of the heart, marking the site of a thin fibrous sheet that covered the foramen ovale during fetal development. It becomes anatomically significant after birth as the foramen ovale closes, leaving this shallow depression.
Great cardiac vein: The great cardiac vein is a major blood vessel in the heart that collects oxygen-depleted blood from the heart muscle (myocardium) and directs it towards the coronary sinus, which then empties into the right atrium. It runs in the anterior interventricular sulcus alongside the left anterior descending artery.
Great Cardiac Vein: The great cardiac vein is a major venous structure within the heart that collects deoxygenated blood from the cardiac muscle and transports it to the coronary sinus, which then drains into the right atrium. It plays a crucial role in the cardiovascular system by facilitating the return of blood to the heart for reoxygenation and recirculation throughout the body.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It's a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
Inferior vena cava: The inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle part of the body to the right atrium of the heart. It plays a crucial role in the venous return part of systemic circulation.
Interatrial septum: The interatrial septum is a thin wall of tissue that separates the heart's two upper chambers, the left and right atria. It plays a crucial role in maintaining proper blood flow direction within the heart during the cardiac cycle.
Interatrial Septum: The interatrial septum is the wall that separates the right and left atria of the heart. It is a crucial anatomical structure that plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Interventricular septum: The interventricular septum is a thick wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart, preventing the mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood. It consists of an upper membranous part and a lower muscular part, playing a crucial role in the heart's function.
Interventricular Septum: The interventricular septum is a thick muscular wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. It plays a crucial role in the anatomy and development of the heart, ensuring efficient blood flow and proper heart function.
Left Anterior Descending Artery: The left anterior descending artery (LAD) is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the front and lower parts of the left ventricle of the heart. It is a critical component of the coronary artery system, responsible for maintaining the heart's blood supply.
Left atrioventricular valve: The left atrioventricular valve, also known as the mitral or bicuspid valve, is a valve in the heart that lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium when the heart contracts.
Left Atrium: The left atrium is one of the four chambers of the human heart, responsible for receiving oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumping it into the left ventricle for distribution throughout the body. It is a crucial component of the heart's anatomy and the circulatory pathways that facilitate the efficient transport of oxygen-rich blood.
Left Coronary Artery: The left coronary artery is one of the major blood vessels that supplies oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. It originates from the aorta and branches off into two main arteries that provide critical blood flow to the left ventricle and other regions of the heart.
Left ventricle: The left ventricle is one of the four chambers of the heart, primarily responsible for pumping oxygenated blood into the aorta and subsequently to the rest of the body. It has thick muscular walls that enable it to generate high pressure to ensure efficient circulation of blood, connecting its function to overall cardiac health and systemic blood flow.
Marginal arteries: Marginal arteries are small arteries that supply blood to the surface and edges (margins) of the heart, particularly the right margin of the heart. They branch off from the larger coronary arteries, which provide the main blood supply to the heart muscle.
Middle cardiac vein: The middle cardiac vein is a major blood vessel that runs along the posterior part of the heart's interventricular groove, collecting deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle (myocardium) and delivering it into the coronary sinus, which then empties into the right atrium. It plays a critical role in the heart's venous drainage system.
Middle Cardiac Vein: The middle cardiac vein is a blood vessel that collects deoxygenated blood from the middle portion of the posterior surface of the left ventricle of the heart and drains it into the coronary sinus, which then empties into the right atrium.
Mitral valve: The mitral valve is a dual-flap (bicuspid) valve in the heart that lies between the left atrium and left ventricle, ensuring one-way blood flow from the atrium to the ventricle. It prevents the backflow of blood into the atrium when the ventricle contracts.
Mitral valve: The mitral valve is a crucial structure in the heart that separates the left atrium from the left ventricle, preventing the backflow of blood during contraction. This valve plays a key role in ensuring that oxygen-rich blood flows efficiently from the lungs to the rest of the body. Its proper function is vital for maintaining effective circulation and overall cardiovascular health.
Moderator band: The moderator band is a muscular band of heart tissue found in the right ventricle of the heart. It plays a crucial role in facilitating the conduction of electrical impulses within the heart, particularly from the interventricular septum to the anterior papillary muscles.
Myocardium: The myocardium is the thick, muscular layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle cells that allow it to contract and pump blood throughout the body. It is situated between the outer epicardium and the inner endocardium layers of the heart.
Myocardium: The myocardium is the middle and thickest layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle tissue. It is responsible for the rhythmic contraction and pumping action of the heart, playing a crucial role in the cardiovascular system's ability to circulate blood throughout the body.
Papillary muscle: Papillary muscles are small, nipple-shaped muscles located in the ventricles of the heart. They attach to the cusps of the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid valves) via the chordae tendineae and contract to prevent inversion or prolapse of these valves during ventricular contraction.
Papillary Muscles: Papillary muscles are conical muscle projections located in the ventricles of the heart that attach to the heart valves via chordae tendineae. They play a crucial role in preventing the inversion or prolapse of the valves during ventricular contraction, ensuring that blood flows in one direction and maintaining efficient heart function.
Pectinate muscles: Pectinate muscles are parallel ridges in the walls of the atria of the heart, particularly prominent in the right atrium. They play a role in increasing the contractile force of the atrial chambers without significantly increasing heart mass.
Pericardial cavity: The pericardial cavity is the thin, fluid-filled space between the parietal and visceral layers of the pericardium surrounding the heart. This cavity contains a small amount of lubricating fluid that reduces friction as the heart beats.
Pericardial sac: The pericardial sac, also known as the pericardium, is a double-walled membrane that encloses the heart and the roots of the great vessels. It provides protection and lubrication to the heart, allowing it to beat in a relatively frictionless environment.
Pericardium: The pericardium is a double-layered membrane surrounding the heart, providing it with protection and support while allowing it to function efficiently. It consists of a fibrous outer layer and a thin, slippery inner layer that reduces friction as the heart beats.
Pericardium: The pericardium is a protective, membranous sac that surrounds the heart. It plays a crucial role in the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, providing a protective environment for the heart while also influencing its function.
Posterior cardiac vein: The posterior cardiac vein is a vessel that drains oxygen-depleted blood from the heart's myocardium (heart muscle) into the coronary sinus, which then empties into the right atrium. It primarily collects blood from the back surface of the heart.
Posterior interventricular artery: The posterior interventricular artery is a blood vessel that runs along the back surface of the heart, supplying oxygen-rich blood to the ventricles. It typically branches from the right coronary artery, playing a crucial role in cardiac circulation.
Posterior interventricular sulcus: The posterior interventricular sulcus is a groove on the heart's surface, marking the boundary between the left and right ventricles on the posterior aspect. It houses important blood vessels that supply the heart muscle.
Pulmonary circuit: The pulmonary circuit is the pathway through which blood travels from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart. This circuit facilitates the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen in the blood.
Pulmonary trunk: The pulmonary trunk is a major blood vessel that originates from the right ventricle of the heart and bifurcates into the left and right pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. It plays a crucial role in the pulmonary circulation, which is part of the overall circulatory system that moves blood throughout the body.
Pulmonary valve: The pulmonary valve is a one-way valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery that prevents blood from flowing back into the heart once it has been ejected into the pulmonary circulation. It opens to allow deoxygenated blood to be pumped from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.
Pulmonary Valve: The pulmonary valve is one of the four major valves in the human heart. It is located at the base of the pulmonary artery, responsible for regulating the flow of deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation.
Pulmonary veins: Pulmonary veins are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart. Unlike most veins, which carry deoxygenated blood, pulmonary veins are unique because they transport blood rich in oxygen.
Pulmonary Veins: The pulmonary veins are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart's left atrium. They play a crucial role in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, facilitating the exchange of gases and the circulation of blood throughout the body.
Right Atrium: The right atrium is one of the four chambers of the heart, responsible for receiving deoxygenated blood from the body's systemic circulation. It serves as the entry point for venous blood returning to the heart before it is pumped to the right ventricle and then the lungs for oxygenation.
Right Coronary Artery: The right coronary artery is one of the major blood vessels that supplies oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. It originates from the aorta and runs along the right side of the heart, providing vital nutrients and oxygen to the right atrium, right ventricle, and parts of the left ventricle.
Right Ventricle: The right ventricle is one of the four chambers of the heart, responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood from the body to the lungs for oxygenation. It is a critical component of the cardiovascular system, working in tandem with the other heart chambers to ensure efficient blood circulation throughout the body.
Semilunar valves: Semilunar valves are specialized heart valves located at the bases of the large arteries (the aorta and the pulmonary artery) that leave the heart, preventing blood from flowing back into the heart ventricles after it is pumped out. They are named for their crescent moon-like shape.
Septum: In the context of heart anatomy, a septum is a wall or partition that divides the heart into chambers, such as the left and right sides. This structure is critical in ensuring that oxygen-rich blood is kept separate from oxygen-poor blood.
Small cardiac vein: The small cardiac vein runs alongside the right margin of the heart, collecting deoxygenated blood from the myocardium (heart muscle) and returning it to the right atrium. It typically accompanies the right coronary artery in its course.
Small Cardiac Vein: The small cardiac vein is a small venous structure located within the heart that drains deoxygenated blood from the posterior wall of the right ventricle and the inferior wall of the left ventricle back to the coronary sinus, a larger venous structure that empties into the right atrium.
Stroke Volume: Stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped from the ventricles of the heart with each contraction. It is a crucial factor in determining cardiac output, which is the total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. Stroke volume is an important concept in understanding the heart's ability to effectively circulate blood throughout the body.
Stroke volume (SV): Stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle of the heart in one contraction. It varies depending on bodily demands, such as during exercise or rest.
Superior vena cava: The superior vena cava is a large vein located in the upper body that carries deoxygenated blood from the head, neck, upper limbs, and chest back to the heart. It empties this blood into the right atrium of the heart.
Superior Vena Cava: The superior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body back to the heart's right atrium. It plays a crucial role in the circulatory system by transporting venous blood to the heart for oxygenation and recirculation throughout the body.
Systemic circuit: The systemic circuit is the part of the cardiovascular system responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body and returning oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. It works in contrast to the pulmonary circuit, which exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen in the lungs.
Trabeculae carneae: Trabeculae carneae are irregular ridges of muscle found on the inner walls of the ventricles of the heart. They play a role in the efficient ejection of blood by helping to prevent the walls from sticking together and aiding in the heart's contractile motion.
Tricuspid valve: The tricuspid valve is a valve in the heart located between the right atrium and the right ventricle; it prevents the backflow of blood as it moves from the atrium to the ventricle. It consists of three flaps or cusps, which give it its name.
Tricuspid Valve: The tricuspid valve is one of the four heart valves that regulate blood flow through the heart. It is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle, ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction during the cardiac cycle.
Valve: In the context of heart anatomy, a valve is a structure that ensures the unidirectional flow of blood through the heart and prevents backflow. The heart contains four main valves that regulate blood flow between its chambers and to the rest of the body.
Ventricles: The ventricles are the lower chambers of the heart responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs. They are the main pumping chambers of the heart, working in coordination with the atria to ensure efficient blood circulation throughout the body.