TRANSPORT

THE FLOW OF BLOOD IN THE HEART

The flow of blood in the heart

1. Deoxygenated blood from the rest of the body enters the right atrium via vena cava 2. Oxygenated blood from the lungs enter the left atrium via pulmonary vein 3. As the blood fills the atria, the atria contract and push the blood through tricuspid and bicuspid valve into the ventricle.

4. When the ventricle contract, the semilunar valve open. 5. Deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle is pumped into the lungs via pulmonary artery 6. Oxygenated blood from left ventricle is pumped to the rest of the body through aorta

CONTRACTION OF THE SKELETEL MUSCLES AROUND VEINS

The blood is pumped to the arteries, arterioles and capillaries. Once the blood reach the veins, it has the difficulties to sent back the blood to the heart because: the force of contraction from the heart is insufficient to send back the blood to the heart against gravitational force

To overcome the problem, the contraction of the skeletal muscle around the veins help to sent the blood to the heart

THE REGULATORY MECHANISM OF BLOOD PRESSURE

When the blood flows along a vessel, it exert a pressure to the walls of blood vessel which known as blood pressure. During the contraction of the ventricles (systole stage), the blood pressure is highest in the aorta and large arteries. At rest, a normal blood pressure is 120/80mmHg

 The first number is systole stage, the highest recorded pressure in an artery when ventricles contract. The second number is diastole stage, is the lowest recorded pressure during the relaxation phase of the heartbeat.

THE REGULATORY MECHANISM OF BLOOD PRESSURE Blood pressure is regulated by negative feedback mechanism. Blood pressure is detected by baroreceptors (pressure receptors located in the arch of the aorta and carotid arteries)

THE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM OF BLOOD PRESSURE

When the blood pressure decreases, baroreceptors are less stimulated Nerve impulse sent to cardiovascular centre in the medulla oblongata Then, impulse is sent to effectors (muscle/gland) parasymphatetic nervous system As a result, cardiac muscle contraction become stronger and increase the heartbeat rate.

 Smooth muscles of arteries contract to increase the resistance of blood flow in the blood vessels. Narrowing of blood vessel is known as vasoconstriction Blood pressure increase and return to normal level.