Understanding cardiac physiology 003 – the LV

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Now, let us look at the left heart (LH).

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The left heart consists of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV).

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The left heart has an associated  left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT).

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When the LV contracts (systole), the blood is forced out of the LVOT which

becomes the Aorta (Ao).

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The Aorta will sub-divide quickly to distribute blood to every organ / tissue system

in the body.

The aortic takeoffs include (in order of importance) :

The UPPER body :

via the ascending Ao.

1.  the coronary arteries (CA) – right (RCA) & left (LCA).

2. the brachiocephalic artery >> splits into :

2a. right subclavian artery

2b. right common carotic artery

3. the left common carotid artery

4. the left subclavian artery

The LOWER body :

via the descending Ao.

 

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