INSIDE YOUR HEART

The heart is a muscular organ about the size of a fist, located just behind and slightly left of the breastbone and is said to weigh no more than a can of soup and the size of a human fist. The heart pumps blood through the network of arteries and veins called the cardiovascular system. It is divided into four chambers: the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle. The aorta are the upper chambers of the heart, while the ventricles are the lower chambers. The heart is surrounded by a sac called the pericardium, which contains a small amount of fluid to lubricate the heart's movement. To embark on a journey within the human body, we enter through the mouth of a sleeping individual named Jerry as he breathes in air. As we enter his lungs and move into the blood vessels, we observe their flexibility and ability to stretch and narrow. Eventually, we reach the heart, nestled between the lungs, and witness the movement of oxygen-rich blood as it flows throughout the body. At a calm pace, we observe Jerry's heartbeats until a surge of adrenaline is released, causing the heart to pump faster and push the blood out.the left ventricle. The exit from the heart is achieved through a large foot, specifically called the aorta. This marks the beginning of our journey away from the heart via the artery highway. Our purpose is to deliver oxygen supply to every organ, muscle tissue, and cell.

The liver receives its oxygen package, while the kidneys receive theirs. As we progress, our tunnel becomes smaller and smaller, leading us to smaller arterial streets and finally to tiny capillaries. These capillaries are significant as they allow for the exchange of gases and nutrients between the blood and the tissue. Gerry's leg muscles require a significant oxygen supply, causing an increase in blood pressure. The citizens of this town receive a sufficient supply of oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide in return and a final beat propels the blood forward.

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs at both the pulmonary and cellular levels. Once the body has accumulated CO2, the next step is to return it to the heart via the veins. Veins, often depicted as blue in anatomy textbooks, are actually always filled with red blood. The coloration is due to the way that light waves interact with the skin. The cardiovascular system is an extensive network of roads that lead to and from the heart, stretching over 60,000 miles. The final destination of this journey is the lungs, where the body can rid itself of CO2 and replenish its oxygen supply. Upon exhaling, the process begins anew.

The act of breathing triggers various bodily processes, but one important aspect remains unaddressed. What drives the heart's function? A visit to a local power station reveals the answer: electricity. Within the heart lies a specialised department called the sinus node, which is responsible for generating electrical impulses. These impulses trigger complex chemical reactions, causing the heart's muscle tissue to contract and relax in unison. Keeping the heart healthy is essential to maintaining overall health and well-being. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are all important for heart health. It is also important to manage stress, get enough sleep, and keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. Unlike other muscles in the body, all of the heart's muscle tissue is connected, allowing for coordinated contractions. Blood flows in and out of the heart's four chambers with each contraction, enabling the heart to carry out its vital function.