Anna Garcia's dissected heart should be examined for structural abnormalities, understanding the anatomy and conduction system of the heart. This includes identifying any irregularities, comprehending the cardiac cycle, and the path of blood through the heart while also considering the effects of conditions like heart attacks.
To accurately describe the anatomical findings in Anna Garcia's dissected heart, one needs to identify and describe the interior and exterior parts of the human heart, and note any abnormalities observed. A normal heart consists of four chambers: two atria and two ventricles, with valves ensuring unidirectional blood flow. The cardiac conduction system controls the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle. Possible abnormalities might include signs of atherosclerosis, valve malformations, or evidence of a previous heart attack.
The size, shape, and location of the heart is typically that of a fist, situated in the thoracic cavity between the lungs, with two-thirds of its mass to the left of the midline. In the context of the cardiac cycle, the heart operates through a series of electrical impulses; these are documented in an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Differentiating between the systemic and pulmonary circulation is essential for understanding the path of blood through the heart. Oxygen-depleted blood returns to the right side of the heart and is pumped to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries. Once oxygenated, it returns to the left side of the heart and is circulated to the body through the systemic arteries.
The tissue layers of the heart (epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium), and especially the myocardium made up of cardiac muscle tissue, are crucial for the pumping function of the heart. Comparing cardiac muscle to skeletal and smooth muscle reveals significant differences, most notably in the presence of intercalated discs and the inherent ability to generate rhythmic contractions.