The heart is a muscular pump that is part of the cardiovascular system. The component parts include paired atria, ventricles, atrioventricular valves and paired outflow valves. It is surrounded by the two layered pericardium. It is connected to the pulmonary circulation via the pulmonary artery and pulmonary veins, and to the systemic circulation via the aorta and vena cava. It is characterized by its pumping function.
Structural features include its fist size, location in the chest, asymmetric symmetry of the chambers and great vessels and the and the syncytial nature of the myocardium.
Functional characteristics include its contractile nature, and ability to adapt to a variety of physiological states with beat to beat variations.
Common diseases include ischemic heart disease, infections, and valvular disorders.
Clinical historyexamination and EKG are key first steps in the diagnostic workup. Cardiac enzymes have been an extremely useful in the evaluation of acute myocardial infarction. Echocardiography is the mainstay of imaging techniques. Nuclear medicine has also been an important component in cardiac assessment. Newer techniques including multidetector CT and MRI are evolving.
Therapy includes pharmaceuticals that are evolving, but mainstays include digoxin and diuretics. Minimally invasive therapies, and surgery are advancing and improving management of mechanical problems of the heart. Heart transplant was pioneered in 1967 , and remains a surgical option for appropriate candidates.
The Heart – Symmetric Asymmetry
The heart is a muscular pump that is part of the cardiovascular system. The component parts include paired atria, ventricles, atrioventricular valves and paired outflow valves. It is surrounded by the two layered pericardium. It is connected to the pulmonary circulation via the pulmonary artery, to the systemic circulation via the aorta. Systemic venous circulation is connected to the heart via the superior and inferior vena cavae, while the pulmonary circulation returns via the pulmonary veins. It is characterized by its position in the chest cavity, and coordinated pumping ability.
Structural features include its fist size, asymmetric symmetry of the chambers and great vessels and the and the syncytial nature of the myocardium. Functional characteristics include its contractile nature, and ability to adapt to a variety of physiological states. Common diseases include ischemic heart disease, infections, and valvular disorders. Clinical history examination and EKG are key first steps in the diagnostic workup. Cardiac enzymes have been an extremely useful in the evaluation of acute myocardial infarction. Echocardiography is the mainstay of imaging techniques. Nuclear medicine has also been an important component in cardiac assessment. Newer techniques including multidetector CT and MRI are evolving. Treatment depends on the cause but includes a variety of medical and surgical options. Minimally invasive techniques have had a major influence in the treatment of coronary artery disease.
“The Heart – Symmetric Asymmetry” shows symmetry and asymmetry of the right and left sides of the heart. It is an intriguing and mysterious structure and the art piece reveals a design that is both structurally and functionally beautiful and perfect. The heart is a muscular pump that is part of the cardiovascular system.
The component parts include paired atria, ventricles, atrioventricular valves and paired outflow valves. It is surrounded by the two layered pericardium. It is connected to the pulmonary circulation via the pulmonary artery, and to the systemic circulation via the aorta. The systemic venous circulation is connected to the heart via the superior and inferior vena cavae, while the pulmonary circulation returns blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins. It is characterized by its position in the chest cavity, and coordinated pumping ability. This frontal view of the heart gives us only a tip of the iceberg insight into the beauty of this magnificent structure.
Systole and Diastole
Anterior Leaflet of the Mitral Valve? is an anatomical specimen. It is taken from the left atrium and directed toward the left ventricle. The delicate chordae tendineae are the delicate strings of the heart that attach to the lateral aspects of the leaflet. Ashley Davidoff MD