Written by The structure of the heart is designed for efficient blood circulation. It has four chambers: the right and left atria (upper chambers) and the right and left ventricles (lower chambers). These chambers are separated by valves that ensure blood flows in a single direction, preventing backflow. The heart’s walls are made of specialized muscle tissue called the myocardium, which facilitates powerful and rhythmic contractions.
The heart’s function is regulated by the sinoatrial (SA) node, a group of cells acting as the heart’s natural pacemaker. These cells produce electrical signals that maintain a steady and coordinated heartbeat.
With every beat, blood is pumped out from the heart’s chambers into the blood vessels, creating the pressure necessary to circulate blood throughout the body. On average, the heart beats around 100,000 times a day, pumping approximately 2,000 gallons of blood to sustain essential bodily functions.
