Chapter 34, Problem 16STP

Summary Introduction

To write:

The explanation of the role of the four-chambered heart in circulating oxygenated blood throughout the body.

Introduction:

The heart is a muscular organ that is as large as our fist. It is located in the center of our chest. This hollow organ pumps blood all over the body. At the same time, the heart performs two pumping functions. The heart pumps oxygenated blood into the lungs.

Explanation of Solution

Blood flows through two loops. The blood goes from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart. Then the blood is pumped from the heart through the body and back into another loop. When the blood flows from the body to the right atrium, it has a low concentration of oxygen but a high concentration of carbon dioxide. This deoxygenated blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle and is pumped into the pulmonary arteries leading to the lungs. Ultimately, blood flows into capillaries of the lungs that are in direct contact with the oxygen in the body. The air in the lungs requires a higher concentration of oxygen than the blood in the capillaries, so oxygen travels from the lungs to the skin. Around the same time, carbon dioxide is diffused in the same direction. Oxygenated blood, which is still vivid red, flows to the left atrium of the heart to be drained out of the bloodstream.

The left atrium fills the lungs with oxygenated blood, starting with the second loop. Then the blood travels from the left atrium to the left atrium. The left ventricle channels blood into the body's main artery the aorta. Eventually, blood flows through the capillaries that extend throughout the body. Importantly, the capillaries are in direct contact with the body cells. Oxygen is transferred from the blood to the body cells through diffusion. The deoxygenated blood flows back into the veins to the right atrium.

Conclusion

Thus, the heart can circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body.