What is the function of the atria in the heart?
The atria receive blood returning to the heart from the body and lungs.
What separates the left and right sides of the heart?
The septum is a muscular wall that divides the heart into left and right sides, preventing the mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood.
Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the left atrium?
The mitral (bicuspid) valve prevents backflow from the left ventricle to the left atrium during contraction.
What is the role of the sinoatrial (SA) node?
The SA node acts as the natural pacemaker, initiating electrical impulses that regulate heartbeats.
Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?
The pulmonary veins are the only veins that carry oxygen-rich blood, delivering it from the lungs to the left atrium.
What structure encloses and protects the heart?
The pericardium is a double-walled sac that surrounds and protects the heart from friction and infection.
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Where does the aorta carry blood?
The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the entire body.
Which heart chamber has the thickest walls?
The left ventricle has the thickest walls to pump blood with high pressure throughout the body.
What does the term 'cardiac output' refer to?
Cardiac output is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, crucial for delivering oxygen to tissues.