Functions of the Heart

valves

Keeps the blood flowing in one direction (prevents back flow)

right ventricle

pumps O2 poor CO2 rich blood through the pulmonary arteries from the right atrium to the lungs

left ventricle

pumps O2 rich and CO2 poor blood from the left ventricle through the aorta and throughout the body

right atrium

receives O2 poor and CO2 rich blood from the superior and inferior vena cava to the right ventricle

left atrium

receives O2 rich and CO2 poor from the lungs by way of the pulmonary veins to the left ventricle

septum

thick wall of muscle that divides the heart into a right side and left side

inferior vena cava

transports O2 poor and CO2 rich blood back to the right atrium

superior vena cava

transports O2 poor and CO2 rich blood back to the right atrium

pulmonary veins

transports O2 poor and CO2 rich blood from the lungs and to the right atrium

pulmonary arteries

transports O2 poor and CO2 rich blood to the lungs from the right ventricle

ascending aorta

transports O2 rich and CO2 poor blood throughout the body from the right atrium

descending aorta

transports O2 rich and CO2 poor blood throughout the lower region of the body