III.

Anatomy and Physiology

The cardiovascular system

The cardiovascular system is much more than just the heart, and from a scientific and medical
standpoint, it is important to understand why this system is so vital to life.

Most simply stated, the major function of the cardiovascular system is transportation. Using
blood as the transport vehicle, the system carries oxygen, nutrients, cell wastes, hormones,
and many other substances vital for body homeostasis to and from the cells. The force to
move the blood around the body is provided by the beating heart. The cardiovascular system
can be compared to a muscular pump equipped with one-way valves and a system of large
and small plumbing tubes within which the blood travels.

Anatomy of the heart

• The heart has 2 atria (upper chambers).

• Both atria have very thin walls used to hold the blood (waiting room).

• The heart has 2 ventricles (lower chambers).

The ventricles have very thick walls (blood is pumped here)

Valves

• The chambers of the heart are separated by valves.

The valves prevent the flow of blood backwards

 4

Mitral valve

A valve in the heart that is situated between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The mitral
valve permits blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle, but not in the reverse
direction. The mitral valve has two flaps (cusps). It is also known as bicuspid valve.

Mitral valve stenosis — or mitral stenosis — is a narrowing of the heart's mitral valve. This
abnormal valve doesn't open properly, blocking blood flow into the main pumping chamber
of your heart (left ventricle). Mitral valve stenosis can make you tired and have shortness of
breath, among other problems.

The main cause of mitral valve stenosis is an infection called rheumatic fever, which is
related to strep infections. Rheumatic fever can scar the mitral valve. If left untreated, mitral
valve stenosis can lead to serious heart complications.

Pericardium

The heart is covered by a thin, tough sac called the pericardium.

Pulmonary circulation
Involves blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs where it picks up oxygen and loses
carbon dioxide and then returns to the left atrium

Systemic circulation

• Blood flows from the left ventricle to all body parts and returns to the heart.

• This blood does not flow through the lungs