Human heart

The heart is a large hollow muscular organ in the human body. It is a major organ of the circulatory system. It is located in the middle of the chest between lungs. The heart is made up of special muscles known as cardiac muscle. Blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to the body.  On an average, the heart pumps about 7600 liters of blood and beats around 100000 times in a day. The heart of a newly born body weights only 20 grams.

Structure of the heart

          The heart is the muscular cone shaped organ, enclosed by the heart wall. It is divided into separate right and left section by a wall called the septum. The heart wall and the septum are formed by the cardiac muscle. Each of the section is divided into upper and lower compartment.

          The heart contains many blood vessels. The superior vena-cava, venacava, pulmonary artery, pulmonary veins and ascending aorta are the main blood vessel. The heart includes a series of valves that regulate the blood flow in the heart.

Heartbeat

          The human heart beats 72 times a minute. The period to complete contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle makes one heart beat. There are 2 stages in heart beat.

Heart diseases

          Heart disease is any disorder that affects the hearts ability to function normally. A coronary artery disease is a heart disease that affects the blood vessels. The arteries become narrow and slow down the supply of blood to the heart. This reduces the oxygen supply and affects the pumping of blood. The hardening and thickening of the walls of arteries lead to coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of angina and heart attack.

Peace maker

          The heart has a small bundle of muscle fibers known as the sinoatrial node. It is also known as the peacemaker of the heart. It is located in the right atrium of the heart. It sends signals to the heart to contract and relax rhythmically and regulates the heartbeat. An artificial peacemaker is a small, battery operated device.

          At last heart is one of the most important parts of the human body. So be conscious about is and have a good healthy life.

Aadarsha Kaphle

Class: 9

Motherland Higher Secondary School