1.2.4

Structure of the Heart

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Atria

The atria are the top 2 chambers of the heart. They fill up with blood received from the veins.

Atria structure

Atria structure

  • The atria are small because the body only needs them to pump blood into the next chamber of the heart (ventricle).
Atria function

Atria function

  • The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the rest of the body through the superior vena cava.
    • It then pumps blood through to the right ventricle.
  • The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary vein.
    • It then pumps the blood into the left ventricle.

Ventricle

These are the bottom 2 chambers of the heart. They pump blood out through the arteries.

Ventricle structure and function

Ventricle structure and function

  • The right ventricle has thinner walls and is less muscular.
    • This is because less pressure is needed to pump the deoxygenated blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
  • The left ventricle has a thick, strong wall.
    • This is because it needs to pump oxygenated blood to the entire body at a high pressure to make sure it gets there.
Remember:

Remember:

  • Right-side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood.
  • Left-side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood.
  • Not all of the chambers contract at once. The atria contract together first, quickly followed by the ventricle. This is why we hear a ‘lub-dub’ sound.
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1

Applied Anatomy & Physiology

1.1

The Musculoskeletal System

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Anaerobic & Aerobic Exercise

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Short-Term Effects of Exercise

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2.1

Lever Systems

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Planes & Axes of Movement

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3

Physical Training

3.1

Health & Fitness

3.1.1Health & Fitness
3.2

The Components of Fitness

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4.1

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4.2

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Using Data

5.1

Types of Data

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5.2

Data Presentation & Analysis

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Sports Psychology

6.1

Skills

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Feedback & Preparation

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Socio-cultural Influences

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Engagement Patterns of Different Social Groups

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Overview of Health

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Practice questions on Structure of the Heart

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  1. 1
    The right atriumTrue / false
  2. 2
    Which of the following describes the role of the left atrium?Multiple choice
  3. 3
    The right ventricleTrue / false
  4. 4
    The roles of the left ventricleFill in the list
  5. 5
    Heart ventriclesTrue / false
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Blood Vessels 2

Cardiac Cycle