The Heart Flashcards
(19 cards)
What shape is the human heart?
Pea-shaped muscular organ
What is the approximate size of the human heart?
Size of a closed fist
Where is the heart situated in the body?
In the thoracic cavity, above the diaphragm and between the lungs
What protects the heart?
Ribs and sternum
Which end of the heart is wider?
The upper end
Which direction does the lower end of the heart point?
Downwards and to the left
What keeps the heart in position?
Large blood vessels that enter and leave it
Name two blood vessels associated with the heart.
- Aorta
- Pulmonary artery
What is the function of coronary blood vessels?
Transport blood to and from the cardiac muscle
What is the structure that encloses the heart?
Double-walled membrane called the pericardium
What occurs between the two membranes of the pericardium?
A watery fluid
What is the purpose of the watery fluid in the pericardium?
Prevents friction between the heart and surrounding organs
What does the cardiac muscle require to function?
Oxygen and nutrients
How are oxygen and nutrients delivered to the cardiac muscle?
By the coronary arteries
What is removed from the cardiac muscle by veins?
Waste products and carbon dioxide
True or False: The heart is a solid organ.
False
Fill in the blank: The heart is a _______ organ.
hollow
