plasma The straw-colored fluid in blood.
pulmonary circulation The part of the cardiovascular system which carries oxygen-poor
blood away from the heart to the lungs, and returns oxygen-rich blood back to the
heart.
systemic circulation The portion of the cardiovascular system which carries oxygen-rich
blood away from the heart to the body, and returns oxygen-poor blood back to the
heart.
veins Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart.
Points to Consider
- Consider how the structure of the heart helps to maintain the systemic and pulmonary
circulations. - Consider how problems with the coronary circulation can affect the entire body.
- How would a hole in the heart muscle that allowed blood in the two ventricles to mix
affect the rest of the body?
18.2 Lesson 18.2: Heart and Blood Vessels
Lesson Objectives
- Describe the structure of the heart.
- Outline how blood moves through the heart.
- Describe the importance of valves in the heart.
- Describe the coronary circulation.
Check Your Understanding
- What is the role of the cardiovascular system?
- What is the main function of the heart?
Introduction
The heart is divided into four chambers, the left and right atria and the left and right
ventricles.Anatriumis one of the two small, thin-walled chambers on the top of the heart