Structures of the Heart

Epicardium

visceral layer of the pericardium - protection

Parietal Pericardium

the tough outermost layer of the pericardium that is attached to the diaphragm and the sternum - protection

Anterior Interventricular Sulcus

a shallow groove on the anterior surface of the heart that marks the external boundary between the right and left ventricles

Right Atrium

The upper right chamber of the heart, where deoxygenated blood is received from the vena cava and then sent to the right ventricle.

Right Ventricle

the chamber on the right side of the heart that receives venous blood from the right atrium and pumps it into the pulmonary trunk

Left Atrium

the left upper chamber of the heart that receives blood from the pulmonary veins and passes it to the left ventricle

Left Ventricle

the chamber on the left side of the heart that receives arterial blood from the left atrium and pumps it into the aorta

Coronary blood vessels

arteries and vein that carry the heart's blood supply

Pulmonary Trunk

the artery that carries venous blood from the right ventricle of the heart and divides into the right and left pulmonary arteries

Pulmonary Arteries (R & L)

receives blood from the pulmonary trunk and sends it to the lungs to be oxygenated

Aorta

receives blood from the left ventricle and passes it to the rest of the body via a series of arteries
First major artery **
Brachiocephalic artery
**

Brachiocephalic Artery

The first major branch off of the aorta and the major artery to the forelimbs and head.

Posterior Interventricular Sulcus

depression on the posterior surface of the heart - marks the division of the left and right ventricles

Coronary Sinus

a short sinus receiving most of the veins of the heart; empties into the right atrium

Superior Vena Cava

receives blood from the head and arms and chest and empties into the right atrium of the heart

Inferior Vena Cava

receives blood from lower limbs and abdominal organs and empties into the posterior part of the right atrium of the heart

Endocardium

the membrane that lines the cavities of the heart and forms part of the heart valves

Tricuspid Valve

passes blood from right atrium to right ventricle

Chordae Tendinae

fibers attached to the bicuspid and tricuspid valves which pull them closed when papillary muscles contract, preventing backflow of blood

Papillary Muscles

responsible for pulling the AV valves closed by means of the chordae tendineae

Moderator Band

prevents over-distention of the right ventricular wall

Pulminary Semilunar Valve

heart valve opening from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery

Bicuspid Valve

a.k.a. mitral valve; passes blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle

Aortic Semilunar Valve

heart valve receiving blood from the left ventricle and passing it to the aorta

Pulmonary Veins

deliver oxygen rich blood from the lungs to the left atrium