Circulation of blood by heart | Smartledge | Educational blogs

Circulation of blood by the heart

The heart is a muscular organ that continuously pumps blood, the heart distributes oxygenated blood (oxygen-rich blood) to all parts of the body and then receives and transports it to the lungs when the blood is deoxygenated (oxygen-poor blood) to gain oxygen.

The oxygen-poor blood is received by the right atrium from all parts of the body through veins (superior and inferior vena cava), the blood then moves into the right ventricle, and then it is moved to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries, which only carries deoxygenated blood. The oxygenation of the blood is done by the lungs. 

After the oxygenation of blood in the lungs the oxygenated blood again travels back to the heart through the pulmonary veins, which only carries oxygenated blood, to the left atrium, then moves to the left ventricle, and then is distributed to all parts of the body through arteries ( Aorta ).

Diagram of blood circulation in the heart

Frequently asked questions (FAQS) -

What is the role of valves in the heart? -

= The valves prevent the backflow of blood in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). As the heart contracts and relaxes, the valves open and close letting the blood flow in only one direction. The 4 types of valves are - 

• Pulmonary valve

• Aortic valve

• Mitral valve

• Tricuspid valve.

Who discovered the circulation of blood? -

= William Harvey discovered the circulation of blood in the human heart.