Correct Order of Blood Flow in the Heart

Step 1

Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium from the superior and inferior vena cava

Step 7

From the left atrium, the blood flows through the bicuspid, or mitral, valve into the left ventricle.

Step 3

From the right ventricle, the blood flows through the pulmonic valve into the pulmonary artery.

Step 8

Left ventricular contraction forces blood through the aortic valve into the aorta for distribution to the systemic circulation

Step 2

The blood flows through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle.

Step 5

The blood releases carbon dioxide as waste and picks up a fresh supply of oxygen.

Step 6

The oxygenated blood flows through the pulmonary veins from the lungs into the left atrium.

Step 4

The right and left pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood to the right and left lungs for gas exchange.