The “door” of the heart

This is the 3757th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Structure of the Heart

The main function of the heart is to provide power for blood flow and to circulate blood to all parts of the body. The human heart is located in the lower left middle of the chest cavity, with a volume equivalent to a fist and a weight of about 250 grams. The heart has 4 chambers, consisting of the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle. As shown in the figure.

Heart valves

(Its essence is the "door" of our heart)

Valves: Each person has four valves in their heart. The four valves work together: they all act as one-way valves, allowing blood to flow only from one direction to another, thus preventing blood from flowing back.

Mitral valve: connects the left atrium and left ventricle and its function is to transfer blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

Tricuspid valve: connects the right atrium and right ventricle, and its function is to flow blood from the right atrium into the right ventricle.

Aortic valve: connects the left ventricle and the aorta, and its function is to ensure that the blood from the left ventricle flows into the aorta and then flows to all organs in the body. Once there is a problem with the aorta, it can actually be understood that your organs in the body will not be able to get a good and sufficient blood supply, which will lead to a series of complications.

Pulmonary valve: connects the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, and its function is to allow blood from the right ventricle to flow into the lungs for gas exchange.

The blood circulation process of the heart

Superior and inferior vena cava and coronary sinus → right atrium → right atrioventricular orifice (tricuspid valve opens) → right ventricle → pulmonary artery orifice (pulmonary valve opens) → pulmonary artery → lung (gas exchange occurs through the capillaries around the alveolar wall) → pulmonary vein → left atrium → left atrioventricular orifice (mitral valve opens) → left ventricle → aortic orifice (active valve opens) → aorta (distributed to the whole body through arteries at all levels).

Source: Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University

Pan Chunfeng, head nurse of the Department of Geriatric Cardiology

Reviewer: Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University

Xiyan Deputy Chief Nurse

Shen Jun, deputy chief nurse