MAGNAYE, Kcee S.

Oct 10, 2023

BSN-1103 MC 100

1. Illustrate the flow of blood through the heart and the pulmonary circulation.

2. Describe each step briefly and identify key structures along the way. (Ex. Heart valves,
Heart chambers, etc.)

Entering the Heart with Deoxygenated Blood Deoxygenated blood, which is high in carbon dioxide
and low in oxygen, is transported back to the heart by the superior vena cava (from the upper
body) and inferior vena cava (from the lower body). This blood is delivered to the right atrium of
the heart after it has undergone deoxygenation.

From Right atrium to right ventricle, deoxygenated blood is driven through the tricuspid valve
(right atrioventricular valve) and into the right ventricle as the right atrium contracts. Blood
exclusively flows through the tricuspid valve in one direction, preventing backflow into the right
atrium.

Pulmonary Artery to Right Ventricle Deoxygenated blood flows through the pulmonary valve and
into the pulmonary artery as the right ventricle contracts.
Pulmonary artery to lungs, the right ventricle sends its deoxygenated blood through the
pulmonary artery to the lungs. Before reaching the pulmonary capillaries within the lung tissue,
the blood in the lungs passes through pulmonary arteries that get progressively smaller.

In the Lungs, Gas Exchange: A waste product of metabolism, carbon dioxide, diffuses from the
blood into the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs whereas oxygen from breathed air diffuses into the
bloodstream within the pulmonary capillaries.

The Heart Receives Oxygenated Blood: The lungs expel oxygenated blood, which is now high in
oxygen and low in carbon dioxide, and the pulmonary veins carry it back to the heart. The left
atrium of the heart receives this oxygen-rich blood.

From the left atrium to the left ventricle: Oxygenated blood is forced into the left ventricle by the
left atrium's contraction of the mitral valve (bicuspid valve). When the ventricle contracts, the
mitral valve stops blood from returning to the left atrium.

Left Ventricle to Aorta, the aortic valve and the aorta are both crossed by the left ventricle when
it contracts, carrying oxygenated blood. Blood is directed out of the heart and into the systemic
circulation thanks to the aortic valve's one-way flow regulation. The pulmonary circulation
process makes sure that blood that has been deoxygenated becomes oxygenated in the lungs,
thereby supplying the body with essential oxygen and eliminating waste carbon dioxide. Through
systemic circulation, this oxygenated blood is subsequently pushed to the rest of the body to
hydrate cells and tissues.