Structure of the Heart (AQA GCSE Physical Education): Revision Notes

Structure Of The Heart

Chambers:

• Atria (Singular: Atrium): The heart has two upper chambers, the left atrium and the right atrium, which receive blood returning to the heart.
• Ventricles: The heart has two lower chambers, the left ventricle and the right ventricle, which pump blood out of the heart.

Valves:

• Atrioventricular (AV) Valves: These valves are located between the atria and the ventricles.
• Semilunar Valves: These valves are located between the ventricles and the arteries that carry blood away from the heart.

Major Blood Vessels:

• Vena Cava: Two large veins (superior and inferior) that carry deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium.
• Pulmonary Arteries: Carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
• Pulmonary Veins: Carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
• Aorta: The largest artery in the body, it carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.