Structure of cardiovascular system Flashcards
Structure of CV system
Describe the role of the atria
The atria (plural of atrium) are where the blood collects when it enters the heart.
Describe the role of the ventricles
The ventricles pump the blood out of the heart to the lungs or around the body.
Describe the role of the septum
The septum separates the right-hand and left-hand side of the heart.
Describe the role of the tricuspid valve
The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle and opens due to a build-up of pressure in the right atrium.
Describe the role of the bicuspid valve
The bicuspid valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle and likewise opens due to a build-up of pressure, this time in the left atrium.
Describe the role of the semilunar valves
The semilunar valves stop the back flow of blood into the heart. There is a semilunar valve where the aorta leaves the left ventricle and another where the pulmonary artery leaves the right ventricle.
Describe the role of the aorta
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries oxygenated blood away from the left ventricle to the body.
Describe the role of the vena cava
The vena cava is the largest vein in the body. It carries deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart.
Describe the role of the pulmonary artery
the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood away from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Describe the role of the pulmonary vein
the pulmonary vein returns oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
Describe the role of the right-hand side of the heart
the right-hand side of the heart is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
Describe the role of the left-hand side of the heart
the left-hand side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood around the body