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The expert’s guide to understanding the function of the heart

The heart is an incredible organ. This is because it’s responsible for pumping oxygen as well as nutrient-rich blood throughout your body in order to sustain life. This powerhouse, which you can easily wrap your hand around, beats 100 000 times every single day. It pumps between five and six quarts of blood each minute or, put another way, about 2 000 gallons on a daily basis. The components of the cardiovascular system Your heart is an essential part of your cardiovascular system. This system in your body also includes all your blood vessels which transport blood from your heart to your body and then back to your heart. You need a healthy heart to be able to perform at your maximum in your fitness routine. The primary functions of the heart are to: Regulate blood supply Generate blood pressure Route the blood Ensure one-way blood flow How is the heart made up? The heart is a muscular organ which is located in the thoracic cavity. It lies anterior to the spine and posterior to the sternum. It: Weighs approximately between 250 and 350g, and Is 12 - 14cm long. It is termed a cardiac muscle and has a similar characteristic to skeletal muscle in that it is made up of myofibrils containing actin and myosin that cross-bridges to form contractions. The heart (cardiac muscle) is considered an involuntary muscle, meaning that it cannot be controlled. It is possible to distinguish three distinct layers in the wall of the heart: Inner endocardium, Middle myocardium, and Outer epicardium. The heart consists of four chambers which … [Read More...]