Heart Anatomy
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood through the body. It has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles.
- The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body through veins, namely superior and inferior venae cavae. It then pumps it into the right ventricle, which pumps it into the pulmonary artery and lungs to pick up oxygen-rich blood returning from the lungs.
- The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins; it then passes this blood into the left ventricle, which pumps it into the aorta, which then via its branches distributes the blood through smaller arteries.
The heart also contains valves that keep blood flowing in one direction, ensuring that it does not flow backward through the heart. The heart itself is supplied with blood via the coronary arteries.
Learn more about the anatomy of the heart with free labeled diagrams.
Heart Valve Movement
The four heart valves open and close in response to pressure changes that occur in the ventricles. Review the movement of the valves in this tutorial.
Cardiac muscle tissue: structure and function
Review the cardiac muscle cells which make up the myocardium portion of the heart wall in this interactive tutorial, and test yourself in the quiz.
Phases of the Cardiac Cycle
Review how the atrioventricular and semilunar valves open and close in a full cardiac cycle in this interactive tutorial.
Coronary Arteries
The cardiac arteries run along the surface of the heart, carrying oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Review the cardiac veins and test your knowledge.
The Location, Size, and Shape of the Heart
Review the location of the heart as well as it’s size and shape in this interactive tutorial and test your knowledge in the quiz.
The four chambers of the heart and their functions
Review the four chambers of the heart as well as other features in this interactive tutorial and test yourself in the quiz.
Major Blood Vessels of the Heart
The major blood vessels of the heart consist of large arteries and veins that transport blood to and from the different circulatory systems of the body.
Coronary Veins | Cardiac Veins
The cardiac veins run along the surface of the heart, carrying deoxygenated blood to the right atrium after flowing through the myocardium.
Heart Wall Anatomy | Structure of the Heart Wall
There are three layers that form the heart wall. Review the different layers and their structures and test yourself in the quiz.
Heart Valves: Anatomy and Function
The heart valves maintain the unidirectional flow of blood through the heart. Review the valves of the heart and test your knowledge in the quiz.
Pericardium – Structure & Function
The pericardium is a fibrous sack that that surrounds the heart. Review the functions and anatomy of the pericardium in this interactive tutorial.