The human heart is a vital organ that plays a fundamental role in the functioning of our body. It is responsible for pumping blood, transporting oxygen and nutrients to all the cells in the body and eliminating waste and carbon dioxide. But what are the parts that make up this very important organ and what are its specific functions? In this article, we will explore the 13 parts of the human heart and their roles in maintaining our health and well-being.
1. Right atrium
The right atrium is the part of the heart that receives deoxygenated blood from all over the body through the superior and inferior vena cava. Its main function is to temporarily store this blood before sending it to the right ventricle to be pumped to the lungs for oxygenation.
2. Left atrium
On the other hand, the left atrium is responsible for receiving oxygenated blood that returns from the lungs through the pulmonary veins. This oxygenated blood is stored in the left atrium before being pumped into the left ventricle, from where it will be distributed throughout the body through the aorta artery.
3. Right ventricle
The right ventricle is the chamber responsible for pumping the deoxygenated blood received from the right atrium to the lungs, where gas exchange will occur and the blood will be oxygenated. This oxygenated blood will then return to the left atrium to complete the cycle.
4. Left ventricle
For its part, the left ventricle is responsible for receiving oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumping it with great force through the aorta artery to the entire body, thus ensuring the supply of oxygen and nutrients to all cells and tissues.
5. Atrioventricular valves
The atrioventricular valves, known as the tricuspid valve on the right side and the mitral valve on the left side, are structures that separate the atria from the ventricles, preventing the reflux of blood and ensuring proper flow. unidirectional of it through the heart.
6. Semilunar valves
The semilunar valves, both the pulmonary valve on the right side and the aortic valve on the left side, are located at the outlets of the ventricles and regulate the flow of blood from the heart to the arteries pulmonary and aorta, respectively, preventing the backflow of blood once it has been expelled.
7. Interatrial septum and interventricular septum
The interatrial septum separates the right and left atria, while the interventricular septum divides the right and left ventricles. These structures are essential to maintain the separation between the cardiac chambers and ensure efficient functioning of the heart.
8. Pericardium
The pericardium is a double membrane that surrounds the heart, forming a kind of sac that protects it and keeps it in its proper position in the thorax. In addition, it helps lubricate the heart and reduce friction during heartbeats.
9. Myocardium
The myocardium is the muscular tissue of the heart that performs the rhythmic and coordinated contraction necessary to pump blood through the circulatory system. This cardiac muscle is extremely resistant and has a network of its own blood vessels to guarantee its function.
10. Endocardium
The endocardium is a layer of cells that lines the internal chambers of the heart, including the atria and ventricles, as well as the heart valves. Its main function is to maintain a smooth surface to facilitate blood flow and prevent the formation of clots.
11. Sinus node
The sinus node, also known as the heart's natural pacemaker, is a group of specialized cells that generate electrical impulses to start the heartbeat. Located in the right atrium, this node regulates the heart rate and coordinates the contraction of the different cardiac chambers.
12. Cardiac conduction system
The cardiac conduction system includes a series of specialized structures and pathways, such as the bundle of His, bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers, that transmit electrical impulses through the heart , thus coordinating the contraction of the atria and ventricles in a synchronized manner.
13. Coronary blood vessels
Coronary blood vessels are the arteries responsible for supplying blood and oxygen to the heart itself. These coronary arteries branch along the surface of the heart, ensuring that this vital organ receives the blood flow necessary for its own functioning and nutrition.
Conclusion
The human heart is an incredibly complex organ vital to our survival. Each of its parts plays a specific role in maintaining blood circulation, supplying oxygen to cells, and coordinating heartbeats. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the heart allows us to appreciate its importance and promote healthy habits to take care of this special organ that beats within each of us.