Summary
A four-chambered muscular pump with atria, ventricles and valves that keep blood flowing one way.
In depth
Right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from vena cavae, passes it via tricuspid valve to the right ventricle, then to lungs via pulmonary artery. The left side receives oxygenated blood via pulmonary veins, to left ventricle (thicker wall) and aorta. Coronary arteries supply the heart muscle.
Atria are thin-walled; the left ventricle's wall is thickest. Valves prevent backflow. The coronary circulation supplies the myocardium.
Example: blocked coronary arteries cause heart attacks.
Frequently asked questions
What is Heart Structure?
A four-chambered muscular pump with atria, ventricles and valves that keep blood flowing one way.
Which area of biology covers Heart Structure, and how advanced is it?
Heart Structure is one of the 51 topics in Human Physiology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Circulatory System, Blood Vessels, Cardiac Cycle.
Can you give an example of Heart Structure?
Valve defects cause heart murmurs.
What should I learn before Heart Structure?
Heart Structure is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Human Physiology that pair well with it include Homeostasis, Tissues and Organs, Skeletal System.
What topics are related to Heart Structure?
The closest topics to Heart Structure are Circulatory System, Blood Vessels, Cardiac Cycle, Lymphatic System. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Heart Structure?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Heart Structure. To practise the whole of Human Physiology, use the Human Physiology quiz.
How is Heart Structure different from Circulatory System?
Heart Structure: A four-chambered muscular pump with atria, ventricles and valves that keep blood flowing one way. Circulatory System: The heart, blood vessels and blood that transport materials around the body. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Heart Structure step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Circulatory System and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Human Physiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.