Introduction to Heart Function
The heart is a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. It operates through a complex system of electrical signals and muscle contractions.
Structure of the Heart
- The heart consists of four chambers:
- Left Atrium
- Left Ventricle
- Right Atrium
- Right Ventricle
- It has valves (tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic) that ensure unidirectional blood flow.
Circulatory Pathways
- Pulmonary Circulation:
- Blood is pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries.
- In the lungs, carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen.
- Systemic Circulation:
- Oxygen-rich blood returns to the left atrium from the lungs.
- It is then pumped from the left ventricle to the rest of the body through the aorta.
Electrical Conduction System
- The heart has an intrinsic electrical system:
- Sinoatrial (SA) Node: Acts as the natural pacemaker, initiating each heartbeat.
- Atrioventricular (AV) Node: Delays the signal, allowing the atria to contract before the ventricles.
- Bundle of His and Purkinje Fibers: Transmit the signal to the ventricles, causing them to contract.
Heart Cycle
- Systole: Contraction phase where blood is pumped out of the heart.
- Diastole: Relaxation phase where the heart chambers fill with blood.
Conclusion
The heart's continuous and coordinated actions ensure efficient circulation, supporting the body’s metabolic needs. Each heartbeat is a vital part of sustaining life.

Circulates the blood to whole body party