Anatomy and Physiology

Aorta y The aorta carries and distributes oxygen rich blood to all arteries. Most major arteries branch off from the aorta, with the exception of the main pulmonary artery.

Superior Vena Cava y Brings de-oxygenated blood from the head, neck, arm and chest regions of the body to the right atrium

Inferior Vena Cava y Brings de-oxygenated blood from the lower body regions (legs, back, abdomen and pelvis) to the right atrium.

Atria y Upper two chambers of the heart.

Ventricles y Lower two chambers of the heart

Aortic Valve y Prevents the back flow of blood as it is pumped from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Mitral Valve y Prevents the back flow of blood as it is pumped from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

Pulmonary Valve y Prevents the back flow of blood as it is pumped from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.

Tricuspid Valve y prevents the back flow of blood as it is pumped from the right atrium to the right ventricle