The heart is a complicated organ to deal with. It delivers blood to the body through four chambers, four valves, and a large number of blood arteries. Blood flow is a complicated process in and of itself. It is a cycle that transports blood from the heart and to the lungs in order to obtain oxygen for the body. It is then circulated throughout the body before being returned to the heart to begin the process all over again.
It is the cardiovascular system’s primary role, whether you are moving or at rest, to consume, transport and utilize oxygen in your body. When blood flow is interrupted, it can have major consequences for one’s health.
Blood Flow In The Heart
The heart is divided into two chambers: the left and right atriums, and two bigger lower chambers: the left and right ventricles. The atriums are the upper chambers of the heart, while the ventricles are the bottom chambers of the heart. Blood flow into and out of these chambers is controlled by a system of valves that function as doors.
The cardiac conduction system is responsible for sending electrical impulses to the heart muscle, which causes it to contract and relax. The rate and rhythm of your heartbeat are controlled by these pulses.
Here are the steps of blood flow through the heart and lungs:
- The right atrium is the first area where blood enters the heart and is where the heart beats.
- Following that, the blood flows through the tricuspid valve and into the right ventricle of the body.
- Each time the heart beats, blood flows into the pulmonary artery through the pulmonic valve, which is regulated by the ventricle, and into the lungs.
- In order for blood to “take up” oxygen in the lungs, it must first be transported to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
- It then exits the lungs and returns to the heart via the pulmonary vein, completing the circuit of the body’s circulation.
- The left atrium is the place where the blood enters the body.
- After passing through the mitral valve, it makes its way into the left ventricle.
- The left ventricle, which serves as the heart’s pumping chamber, supplies both the aortic valve and the aorta with blood. Blood is supplied to the rest of the body by the aorta, which is connected to the heart by a network of blood vessels in the abdomen.
- Blood returns to the heart from the rest of the body through two large blood vessels known as the superior vena cava and the lower vena cava. The superior vena cava and the lower vena cava are located on either side of the heart. The superior vena cava is the larger of the two vessels in the circulatory system. Because it is returning from the body, where oxygen has been depleted of its oxygen, this blood has less oxygen.
- When the vena cava pumps blood into the right atrium for the second time, the cycle is restarted.
Importance of Valves
The ventricles of the heart would be unable to generate any force or pressure if the valves were not present. A flat tyre with a large hole in it would be similar to pumping up a leaking tyre with a large hole in it. No matter how hard you tried, no matter how many times you pumped, the tyre would not fill.
As an example, in the instance of the heart, blood would flow into the chamber and simply spill through the walls. Each time the ventricle attempted to pump blood, the blood would exit the valve at the bottom or upward in the wrong direction, depending on the situation.
To ensure that blood flows through the heart in the proper direction, all four of the heart valves open and close at precisely the appropriate times. The sound of your heartbeat includes the sound of valves shutting.
Blood Flow Changes
- At repose, a healthy heart generally beats anywhere between 60 and 70 times per minute, depending on the individual. This rate may be higher or lower based on your overall health and physical fitness level. Athletes, for example, have a lower resting heart rate than the average population.
- When you move about, your heart rate increases. This is due to the fact that your muscles require oxygen to function properly. The heart has to work harder in order to deliver oxygenated blood where it is required.
- In the event that you develop an abnormal heartbeat or cardiac symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.
- Heartbeats that are disrupted or irregular might have an impact on blood flow via the heart.
Conclusion
Blood flow is a continuous cycle that incorporates your lungs, heart chambers, valves, and blood arteries, among other things. Electrical pulses cause the contraction and relaxation of your cardiac muscles. As a result of this action, blood is forced through two chambers on the right side of the heart and into the lungs, where it picks up oxygen.
The oxygen-rich blood is then sent to the left side of the heart by a vein. The two chambers on the left force the blood into arteries, which then transport it and oxygen throughout the entire body. They can manifest themselves gradually or suddenly. A healthy blood flow is essential for good health in general.