Module 3: Cardiovascular 1 Heart

The cardiovascular system is a closed-loop transport system that includes the coordination of the heart and blood vessels.  Next to the brain, the heart is considered the most vital organ in the human body. The human heart is a muscular organ with a built-in conducting system located slightly in the center of the thoracic cavity.  Anatomical structures of the heart include four chambers (two atria and two ventricles) and contain valves that ensure the blood flows in the correct direction.  The pulmonary circuit's primary function is to oxygenate the blood and move blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs and back to the heart. The systemic circuit distributes oxygenated blood with nutrients to body tissues and returns deoxygenated blood to the right side of the heart to repeat the cycle.  Blood vessels are a network of conduits for transporting blood.  They allow the pulmonary and systemic circuits to work together.  Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood to or toward the heart.  Capillaries exchange nutrients and gases between the blood and tissues.  The network of blood vessels matters because they keep tissues alive by supplying oxygen and nutrients, removing carbon dioxide and waste, supporting the immune system, and regulating body temperature and pH balance.

(Image: https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/real-human-heart-anatomy-model_1159374-1.jpg. 

1.  Identify and compare anatomical features of the anterior and posterior human heart.
2.  Describe the internal anatomy of the heart, including the chambers and valves.
3.  Identify the external anatomy of the heart, anterior and posterior.
4.  Identify and define cardiovascular system anatomical terms.
   
5.  Trace the pathway of blood in the correct sequence.
6.  Identify the anatomy of cardiac muscle.

To achieve these objectives: 

1. Read Chapter 3 in the textbook and Chapter 3 in the lab manual.
2. Complete the Module 3 Pre-Lab exercises and Module 3 Pre-Lab Quiz before the DUE DATE (View the Course Calendar). 
3. Complete the Module 3 Lab Exercises.
   
4. Complete the Module 3 Post-Lab Quiz.

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.