The Heart
The Heart
The Heart (/hɑːrt/; from Old English heorte) is a vital organ in the human body that pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes.
Anatomy
The heart is located in the thoracic cavity, between the lungs and behind the sternum. It is divided into four chambers: the left and right atrium and the left and right ventricle. The heart's outer layer is called the epicardium, the middle layer is the myocardium, and the inner layer is the endocardium.
Function
The heart's main function is to pump blood throughout the body. It does this through a process called the cardiac cycle, which includes the systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation) of the heart's chambers.
Diseases
There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and congenital heart disease. Treatment for these conditions can include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
Related Terms
- Cardiology: The study of the heart and its functions in health and disease.
- Cardiologist: A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart.
- Echocardiogram: A test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart.
- Electrocardiogram: A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on The Heart
- Wikipedia's article - The Heart
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