The heart is a fist-sized muscular organ located in the chest, slightly to the left of the center. Its primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing waste products.
The heart is considered the main organ of the circulatory system, which is a network of blood vessels that transports blood throughout the body. The heart's structure allows it to effectively pump blood through the circulatory system, ensuring proper function of all organs and tissues.
The heart has four chambers:
- Two upper chambers called atria, which receive blood from the body and lungs.
- Two lower chambers called ventricles, which pump blood to the lungs and body.
Valves within the heart control the flow of blood between the chambers, preventing backflow and ensuring efficient pumping.
The heart itself needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, which it receives through the coronary arteries. These arteries branch off the aorta and provide the heart muscle with blood.
