The Blood Flow in the Heart

Written By: Nina Do

The heart, also known as cor in Latin, belongs to the cardiovascular system. The heart is responsible for pumping blood around our body, providing us with the essential amount of oxygen and nutrients that we require. One must learn how the blood flows throughout the heart to understand cardiology. Without further ado, this article will guide you through how the blood flows.

The heart is composed of four chambers: right atrium, left atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle. Firstly, the blood enters the heart through two large veins, which are called the superior and inferior vena cava. At this point, the blood is not rich with oxygen since it has already circulated through other systems. Then, the blood will enter the right atrium of the heart, pass through the tricuspid valve, and finally, enter the right ventricle. At this time, the goal of the blood is to flow to the lungs to be oxygenated. However, the blood must exit the right ventricle by going through the pulmonic valve into the pulmonary arteries to get to the lungs. Inside the lungs, the blood will pick up oxygen molecules to become oxygen-rich blood.

After entering the lungs, the blood must return to the heart to be able to travel throughout the body. The blood will enter into the pulmonary veins, and flow into the left atrium. From the left atrium, it will get pumped through the mitral valves into the left ventricle. Finally, it will flow past the aortic valve, and into the aorta. From the aorta, the blood will be able to deliver oxygen and nutrients to parts of the body that require it. This cycle of blood flow will repeat after the blood finishes delivering oxygen and becomes filled with carbon dioxide.

Each time the blood flows, the cardiac muscles inside the heart cause involuntary contractions. It sets a pace to the heart. Nonetheless, the cycle of blood flow is not forever secured, as there might be problems in between. These problems can cause blockages in the heart, heart attacks, and/or breathing problems. For example, plaques that are built up in the heart can cause a blockage in the heart, blocking the path flow of the blood. This can lead to a heart attack, heartaches, soreness in the heart, and more. However, a healthy diet can prevent blockages from happening. Exercise can strengthen the heart, and maintaining a strong heart will not only help one live longer but helps the body systems work better!

Sources

Charles Patrick Davis, MD. “How the Heart Works: Diagram, Anatomy, Blood Flow.” MedicineNet, MedicineNet, 15 Apr. 2020, www.medicinenet.com/heart_how_the_heart_works/article.htm.

“How the Heart Works.” Global, www.cardiosmart.org/Heart-Basics/How-the-Heart-Works.

Publishing, Harvard Health. “Blockage or No Blockage, Take Heart Attacks Seriously.” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/blockage-or-no-blockage-take-heart-attacks-seriously.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Cardiac Muscle.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 25 July 2019, www.britannica.com/science/cardiac-muscle.