Pumps oxygenated blood out to body via the aortic valve (systemic
circulation). Has a thick muscle wall to help pump the blood a long
distance at a high pressure!
The Superior (top) and Inferior (bottom) Vena Cava
carry deoxygenated blood to the heart from the body (systemic
circulation).
The Pulmonary Artery carries deoxygenated blood to
the lungs - that’s why it splits in two!
The Pulmonary Veins carry oxygenated blood from the
lungs - there is two per side!
The Aorta carries lots of high pressure oxygenated
blood to the body - that’s why it’s huge!
What about the valves?
Valves exist to stop blood flowing back the wrong
way!
This is important because you don’t want
deoxygenated blood flowing backwards, when you body needs oxygenated
blood going forwards!
Arteries vs Veins
Arteries carry blood away from the
heart (a for arteries, a for away)
Veins carry blood towards the
heart
Ngohe/Task: Flow Direction
Starting with deoxygenated blood returning to the heart through
the superior and inferior vena cava, make a numbered list
describing where it goes after that. You will need to use your notes to
figure it out!