
The SA node is located at the back of the right atrium near the superior vena cava. In a normal functioning heart, the conduction system begins at the SA node. This brings us to the conduction system of the heart.įor an easy step-by-step guide of the conduction system of the heart, make sure to check out the EZmed conduction system blog!

The atria increase their pressure by contracting. Therefore, the atria must increase their pressure in order to facilitate further blood flow from the atria to the ventricles. Specifically, the pulmonic valve is positioned between the right ventricle and pulmonary trunk, and the aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and aorta.Īs the right and left ventricles fill with blood, the ventricular pressure will begin to rise.Īs the ventricular pressure approaches the atrial pressure, it becomes more difficult for blood to flow from the atria to the ventricles. The pulmonic and aortic valves are located between the ventricles and great vessels. Specifically, the tricuspid valve is positioned between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. The tricuspid and mitral valves are located between the atria and ventricles. There are 4 main valves in the heart - the tricuspid valve, pulmonic valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve. The aorta is the main blood vessel that emerges from the left ventricle and delivers oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. The pulmonary veins deliver oxygenated blood from the pulmonary circulation back to the heart, specifically the left atrium. The main pulmonary artery, also known as the pulmonary trunk, is the blood vessel that emerges from the right ventricle and delivers unoxygenated blood to the lungs. The superior vena cava and inferior vena cava connect to the right atrium, and they are the main veins that deliver venous blood from the rest of the body back to the heart.

The atria are positioned in the superior/upper portion of the heart, and the ventricles are located in the inferior/lower portion. There are 4 chambers of the heart: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

Heart Anatomy: Labeled Diagram, Structures, Function, and Blood Flow Before we get started, let’s briefly review the anatomy of the heart.įor a great step-by-step guide filled with tricks to remember the main structures of the heart, check out the EZmed post below!
