Anatomical Concepts of the Heart

The heart is a muscular organ located in the chest. It is divided into four chambers: the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle. The right atrium and right ventricle pump blood to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen. The left atrium and left ventricle pump blood to the rest of the body. The heart is also made up of several valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. The heart is surrounded by a sac called the pericardium.  

Physiological Concepts of the Heart

The heart is a pump that circulates blood throughout the body. The heart beats about 100,000 times a day. The heart is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the heart rate and blood pressure. The heart also produces hormones that help to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.

Pathology of the Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. There are many different types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly.  

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