Cardiovascular: Difference between revisions
(New page: ==Structure== The heart is a large muscle in the centre of the chest. Using a stethoscope, it is possible to listen to it, and to diagnose problems within it. ==Function== ...) |
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[[image:heartstructure.png|right|350px]] | |||
===Structure=== | |||
The [[heart]] is a large muscle in the centre of the chest. Using a stethoscope, it is possible to [[heart#Surface Markings|listen to it]], and to diagnose problems within it. | |||
==Function== | ===Function=== | ||
The heart is a big old pump, that transports [[blood]] around the body, allowing it to be oxygenated in the [[lungs]], and thus supply [[oxygen]] to the body. | The heart is a big old pump, that transports [[blood]] around the body, allowing it to be oxygenated in the [[lungs]], and thus supply [[oxygen]] to the body. | ||
The contraction of the heart is synchronised using a complex [[heart|conduction system]]. | The contraction of the heart is synchronised using a complex [[heart#Function|conduction system]]. | ||
In the womb, there is a hole that allows blood to pass between the left and right sides of the heart. This closes at [[birth]]. For more information, read the page on the [[foramen ovale]]. | |||
===When it goes wrong=== | |||
It's time to take a trip over to the [[Cardiology]] section, and learn all about [[myocardial infarction]], [[hypertension]] and [[Arrhythmias]]! | |||
Finding out about all the [[Medical_emergencies#Cardiovascular_Emergencies|cardiac emergencies]] is a good idea too. | |||
Latest revision as of 15:39, 19 March 2011
Structure
The heart is a large muscle in the centre of the chest. Using a stethoscope, it is possible to listen to it, and to diagnose problems within it.
Function
The heart is a big old pump, that transports blood around the body, allowing it to be oxygenated in the lungs, and thus supply oxygen to the body.
The contraction of the heart is synchronised using a complex conduction system.
In the womb, there is a hole that allows blood to pass between the left and right sides of the heart. This closes at birth. For more information, read the page on the foramen ovale.
When it goes wrong
It's time to take a trip over to the Cardiology section, and learn all about myocardial infarction, hypertension and Arrhythmias!
Finding out about all the cardiac emergencies is a good idea too.