1οΈβ£ Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium via the superior and inferior vena cava.
π The superior and inferior vena cava return oxygen-poor blood from systemic circulation to the heart.
π This marks the entry point of blood into the heart, beginning the cardiac cycle pathway.
π The right atrium serves as the receiving chamber for systemic venous blood.
π Blood at this stage is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide.
π This step initiates the pulmonary circulation sequence.
2οΈβ£ Blood goes through the tricuspid valve and into the right ventricle.
π The tricuspid valve prevents backflow into the right atrium during ventricular contraction.
π The right ventricle is responsible for pumping blood to the lungs.
π Proper valve function ensures one-way blood movement.
π This movement prepares blood for oxygenation.
π The right ventricle generates pressure needed for pulmonary circulation.
3οΈβ£ Blood goes to the lungs via the pulmonary valve and pulmonary artery.
π The pulmonary valve opens as the right ventricle contracts.
π The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood, which is unique because most arteries carry oxygenated blood.
π This begins the pulmonary circulation pathway.
π Blood travels to the lungs for gas exchange.
π Carbon dioxide is released during this phase.
4οΈβ£ Deoxygenated blood becomes oxygenated.
π In the alveoli of the lungs, oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream.
π Hemoglobin binds oxygen, forming oxyhemoglobin.
π Carbon dioxide diffuses out to be exhaled.
π This step converts blood from oxygen-poor to oxygen-rich.
π Oxygenation is essential for cellular metabolism.
5οΈβ£ Blood goes to the left atrium and on to the left ventricle through the mitral valve.
π Oxygenated blood returns via the pulmonary veins to the left atrium.
π The mitral (bicuspid) valve ensures forward flow into the left ventricle.
π The left ventricle is the strongest chamber, built to pump blood systemically.
π Proper valve closure prevents regurgitation.
π This completes pulmonary circulation and prepares for systemic circulation.
6οΈβ£ Blood moves into the aorta and then out into the rest of the body.
π The aortic valve opens during left ventricular contraction.
π The aorta distributes oxygenated blood to all body tissues.
π This begins systemic circulation.
π Oxygen and nutrients are delivered to cells.
π The cycle continues as blood eventually returns to the heart.