Understanding the Heart's Anatomy: Chambers and Layers

The heart has four chambers: two atria (upper) and two ventricles (lower), divided into right and left sides.

• Right side: Pumps deoxygenated blood to lungs.
• Left side: Pumps oxygenated blood to body.

Heart Wall Layers

• Epicardium: Outer connective tissue.
• Myocardium: Middle cardiac muscle layer.
• Endocardium: Inner endothelial lining.

Valves

• Mitral (left atrioventricular)
• Tricuspid (right atrioventricular)
• Aortic (left ventricle to aorta)
• Pulmonary (right ventricle to pulmonary artery)

Valves prevent backflow. Coronary arteries supply heart muscle; coronary veins drain it.