The heart has an important role in the human body. By recognizing the anatomy of the heart, you can understand the function of each part of the heart, know how it works, and anticipate disorders that can occur.
The heart functions to pump and circulate blood containing oxygen and nutrients to all cells, tissues, and organs of the body. Not only that, the heart is also in charge of removing waste products and carbon dioxide from the body.
Get to know the Anatomy of the Heart
The heart is located in the center of the chest, on the left side of the body. Generally, the heart weighs about 350 grams or the size of an adult fist. Despite its small size, the heart consists of many parts that play a major role in our survival.
Here is the anatomy of the heart and its functions:
heart chamber
In the anatomy of the heart, there are four main chambers, each of which is filled with blood with a different oxygen content. In between the chambers of the heart, there is a muscular divider with thick walls called the septum.
The two upper chambers of the heart are called the atria (the atrium of the heart). The left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs, while the right atrium receives blood with low oxygen content from the rest of the body.
Meanwhile, the two chambers at the bottom of the heart are called the ventricles (heart chambers). The left ventricle receives blood from the left atrium and will pump blood to the body's main blood vessel (aorta), while the right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps blood to the lungs.
Heart blood vessels
The heart also has large blood vessels that have their respective roles, including:
- Vena cava, to return blood from all over the body to the heart
- Pulmonary arteries, to carry blood with low oxygen content into the lungs
- Pulmonary veins, to drain oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart
- Aorta, to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body
In addition, on the surface of the heart, there are coronary blood vessels that provide oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the heart. This blood vessel consists of two branches, namely the right and left coronary arteries.
Heart valve
In the anatomy of the heart there are also four valves that function to keep blood moving forward in one direction. The valve will then close quickly to prevent the blood from turning in the opposite direction. Here are the four heart valves:
- Pulmonary valve, located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery
- The tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and the right ventricle
- Bicuspid valve, located between the left atrium and the left ventricle
- The aortic valve, located between the left ventricle and the aorta
How the Heart Works
The task of the heart in pumping and supplying blood throughout the body is not simple. Here is the process:
- The right atrium receives blood with low oxygen levels from all over the body through the vena cava, then pumps it into the right ventricle.
- Blood from the right ventricle is pumped out of the heart to the lungs for the exchange of carbon dioxide with oxygen.
- Blood that is already rich in oxygen is pumped into the left atrium through the pulmonary veins, and then pumped into the left ventricle.
- The left ventricle then pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body through the aorta.
Disturbances in the Anatomy of the Heart to Watch Out for
A number of factors can trigger disturbances in the anatomy of the heart, such as increasing age, congenital abnormalities, or an unhealthy lifestyle. Some of the disorders that often occur include:
- Coronary heart disease
- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart failure
- Heart murmurs or valve disorders
Congenital heart disorders (birth defects) are difficult to prevent. However, for those of you who are young and born with a healthy heart. there are events that you can do to maintain optimal heart performance and reduce the risk of disorders of this organ.
The main way to maintain a healthy heart anatomy is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating healthy and nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and managing stress well.
If you experience symptoms related to heart anatomy, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. Heart disease will be much easier to treat if detected early.