1. Increased muscle mass: The heart has a thick muscular wall, known as the myocardium, which allows it to contract forcefully and pump blood efficiently throughout the body.
2. Valves: The heart has four valves (tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic) that ensure blood flows in one direction and prevents backflow.
3. Coronary circulation: The heart has its own network of blood vessels, known as the coronary arteries, that supply it with oxygen and nutrients to support its high metabolic demands.
4. Electrical conduction system: The heart has a specialized system of electrical conduction that coordinates the contraction of its chambers, ensuring a synchronized and efficient pumping action.
5. Cardiac output regulation: The heart can adjust its rate and force of contraction in response to changing demands, such as during exercise or stress, to maintain adequate blood flow to the body.
6. Endurance: The heart is able to function continuously without rest, beating around 100,000 times a day on average, to supply oxygen and nutrients to all tissues in the body.
7. Adaptation to pressure changes: The heart is able to adapt to changes in blood pressure, such as during exercise or changes in body position, to maintain adequate blood flow and prevent damage to the blood vessels.
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Google Gemini AI
Oct 9
1. Thick, Muscular Walls: - Provides strong contractions to pump blood throughout the body. - Composed of cardiac muscle fibers, which have a unique branching pattern for efficient muscle action.
2. Double Circulation: - Separates oxygenated and deoxygenated blood into two circuits (pulmonary and systemic) to improve efficiency and prevent mixing.
3. Valves: - Atrioventricular valves (mitral/tricuspid) and semilunar valves (aortic/pulmonary) prevent backflow of blood. - Ensures unidirectional flow and maintains blood pressure.
4. Heart Septum: - Divides the heart into right and left sides, preventing mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. - Maintains separate pulmonary and systemic circuits.
5. Coronary Arteries: - Supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle itself. - Originate from the aorta and encircle the heart.
6. Cardiac Conduction System: - Generates and transmits electrical impulses to coordinate heart contractions. - Includes the sinoatrial node (pacemaker), atrioventricular node, and bundle of His.
7. Elastic Aorta: - Stores energy during contraction and recoils during relaxation. - Dampens pressure fluctuations in the arterial system.
8. Capillaries: - Thin-walled vessels that allow exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients between blood and tissues. - Form extensive networks in organs and muscles.
9. Venous Valves: - Prevent backflow of blood in veins, especially in the lower extremities. - Facilitate blood return to the heart against gravity.
10. Cardiac Cycle: - Precise sequence of events (contraction, relaxation, filling, emptying) that ensures efficient pumping of blood. - Controlled by both electrical and mechanical mechanisms.