Specifying exactly twelve distinct parts of the heart is difficult, as the number depends on the level of detail. However, we can identify twelve significant structures contributing to the heart's function. Note that some sources might categorize or subdivide these differently.
This list combines information from various sources and may not perfectly match any single anatomical description:
- Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
- Right Auricle: A small extension of the right atrium.
- Right Ventricle: Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
- Left Atrium: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
- Left Auricle: A small extension of the left atrium.
- Left Ventricle: Pumps oxygenated blood to the body.
- Tricuspid Valve: Controls blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle.
- Mitral Valve (Bicuspid Valve): Controls blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle.
- Pulmonary Valve: Controls blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
- Aortic Valve: Controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
- Aorta: The main artery carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.
- Pulmonary Trunk/Artery: The artery carrying deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
Note: Cardiac fat, coronary arteries, and the ligamentum arteriosum are also important structures associated with the heart, but are often not included in a basic list of twelve parts. A twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) assesses twelve different regions of the heart to aid in diagnosis, but these are electrical conduction pathways rather than anatomical structures.
