... atrium, and blood is driven through the aortic valve into the AORTA, the major artery, which supplies blood to the entire body. The pulmonary valve, like the aortic valve, has a semilunar shape and a unidirectional function. CORONARY CIRCULATION The blood supply to the heart muscle is furnished mainly by the CORONARY ARTERIES, which originate from the aorta immediately after the aortic valve. These vessels ... halves work almost synchronously. When the ventricles contract (systole), the valves between the atria and the ventricles close, as the result of increasing pressure, and the valv...

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• Grade Level: High School

... people usually don't experience electrical problems until other health problems put them at risk. Many things can damage your heart's electrical system and lead to an electrical problem, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and a leaky heart valve. These can all weaken your heart and cause it to not be able to pump properly. One type of arrhythmia, the long ... rhythm, there is a specific part of the heart that is causing it. Surgery can also be used to treat underlying heart diseases that could be causing your arrhythmia, such as coronary artery blockage. For the thous...

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• Grade Level: High School

... i.e. a heart attack. A heart attack is defined as "Sudden interruption or insufficiency of the supply of blood to the heart, typically resulting from occlusion or obstruction of a coronary artery and often characterized by severe chest pain."" (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 2000) Like other muscles, the heart needs more oxygen when it exercises/contracts. As the ... heart is constantly contracting it requires a constant and large supply of oxygen. Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply oxygen and vital nutrients to the heart, and ensure that the heart...

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• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School