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Chambers of the Heart

Chambers of the Heart

The human heart is a complex organ made up of four chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. These internal chambers are separated by partitions known as the interatrial and interventricular septa. The exterior of the heart features a groove known as the coronary sulcus that demarcates the atria from the ventricles, while the anterior and posterior interventricular sulci distinguish between the two ventricles.
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Anatomy of the Heart

Anatomy of the Heart

The human heart is made up of three layers of tissue that are surrounded by the pericardium, a membrane that protects and confines the heart. The outermost layer, closest to the pericardium, is the epicardium. The pericardial cavity separates the pericardium from the epicardium. Beneath the epicardium is the myocardium, the middle layer, and the endocardium, the innermost layer. There are four chambers of the heart: the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle.

Anatomy of the Heart

Anatomy of the Heart

The heart is a hollow, muscular organ approximately the size of a fist, consisting of four chambers. It is enclosed in the pericardium, a fibrous sac with two layers: the visceral and parietal pericardium, separated by a fluid-filled space containing serous fluid to reduce friction.
The heart has three layers: the innermost endocardium, the muscular myocardium, and the outer epicardium, all working together for optimal cardiac function.
Chambers of the Heart
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Coronary Circulation

Coronary Circulation

The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...

Appendicitis

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

Is the left atrial appendage more than a simple appendage?

Hidehiko Hara¹, Renu Virmani, David R Holmes

¹Minneapolis Heart Institute and Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. harahide@aol.com

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions : Official Journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions

|April 11, 2009

Summary

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a major source of emboli in atrial fibrillation. Percutaneous LAA exclusion offers a safe and practical alternative to lifelong anticoagulation, potentially reducing cardioembolic events.

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Left Atrial Ligation in the Avian Embryo as a Model for Altered Hemodynamic Loading During Early Vascular Development

Left Atrial Ligation in the Avian Embryo as a Model for Altered Hemodynamic Loading During Early Vascular Development

Published on: June 16, 2023

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Medical Devices
Vascular Surgery

Background:

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is anatomically and functionally distinct from the left atrium.
The LAA is the primary source of cardioembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Lifelong anticoagulation is typically required for patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent emboli.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous left atrial appendage exclusion.
To assess the potential for percutaneous LAA exclusion to eliminate the need for anticoagulation.
To determine the healing characteristics and hemodynamic effects of percutaneous LAA exclusion.

Main Methods:

Percutaneous implantation of a device for LAA exclusion.
Assessment of appendage healing, including surface thrombus and tissue damage.
Monitoring for adverse hemodynamic effects.

Main Results:

Percutaneous LAA exclusion demonstrated benign healing of the appendage.
No adverse hemodynamic effects were observed post-procedure.
The treatment showed no residual surface thrombus or tissue damage.
Feasibility of the percutaneous approach is established.

Conclusions:

Percutaneous LAA exclusion is a safe and practical therapeutic option.
This treatment may effectively eliminate the need for anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation patients.
Percutaneous LAA exclusion has the potential to significantly reduce cardioembolic events.