The mammalian heart is a complex organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It is divided into four chambers: the left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle, and right ventricle. The atria receive blood from the body and lungs, while the ventricles pump blood out to the body and lungs. The heart is made up of muscle tissue called cardiac muscle, which contracts and relaxes to pump blood.
Within the chambers of the heart, there are valves that help regulate the flow of blood. The atrioventricular valves separate the atria from the ventricles, while the semilunar valves separate the ventricles from the arteries. The heart also has a conduction system that coordinates the heartbeat. The sinoatrial node (SA node) generates electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract. These impulses travel through the atria, causing them to contract. The impulses then pass through the atrioventricular node (AV node) to the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood.
Mammalian Heart Anatomy Worksheet Internal
Functions of the Mammalian Heart
The main function of the mammalian heart is to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues and organs and return oxygen-poor blood to the lungs for reoxygenation. This process ensures that all cells receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen for proper function. The heart also helps regulate blood pressure by adjusting the force and rate of contractions. Additionally, the heart plays a role in the immune response by transporting white blood cells and antibodies throughout the body.