Blood flow through the heart

Helpful phrase that will help you remember if blood enters the tricuspid or bicuspid valve first.

"First always try, before you buy." - By remembering this phrase, you will remember that the tricuspid (try) is before the bicuspid (buy) valve.

What are the 6 steps of blood flow for the right side of the heart?

1. Un-oxygenated blood enters through the SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR VENA CAVA (SVC/IVC). 2. Blood enters into the RIGHT ATRIUM. 3. Then it is squeezed through the TRICUSPID VALVE. 4. Blood enters into the RIGHT VENTRICLE. 5. Then it is squeezed into the PULMONIC VALVE. 6. Blood is then shot up through the PULMONARY ARTERY and then enters into the lungs for some oxygen.

What are the 6 steps of blood flow for the left side of the heart?

7. Blood enters from the lungs through the PULMONARY VEIN. 8. Blood then enters through the LEFT ATRIUM. 9. Down through the BICUSPID VALVE 10. Then blood is squeezed into the LEFT VENTRICLE. 11. Up through the AORTIC VALVE. 12. Lastly up through the AORTA, where it pumped throughout the body.

Anatomy of the heart

Follow this diagram

Goal of the LEFT SIDE of the heart

Left side: Gets oxygenated blood that LEFT the lungs so it can now go through the body.

Goal of the RIGHT SIDE of the heart

Right side: Takes blood RIGHT to the lungs so it can become oxygenated.