The is a vital organ in the body that pumps blood throughout the circulatory system. It is located in the cavity between the lungs and is roughly the size of a . The heart has four main chambers: the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left . Blood flows into the heart through the and is pumped out through the .
Oxygen-poor blood enters the right atrium from the body and moves into the right , which then pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation. In the lungs, carbon dioxide is exchanged for , and the now oxygen-rich blood returns to the left atrium. It then flows into the left , where it is pumped out to the rest of the body through the aorta, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the .
The heart is controlled by an electrical conduction system that coordinates the heartbeat. This system includes the node, often referred to as the natural pacemaker, which initiates each heartbeat. The electrical impulses travel through the heart, causing the fibers to contract and pump blood effectively. Proper function of the heart is crucial for maintaining overall bodily , and any disruptions can lead to serious conditions.
