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BLOOD FLOW
In order to summarize how blood flows in the body, let's take a trip through the
body's circulatory system (figure 1-2). We will enter the system at the vena cava.
a. Vena Cava. There are two major blood veins, which empty into the right
atrium. The superior vena cava carries oxygen-poor blood coming from the head, arms,
and chest. The inferior vena cava returns oxygen-poor blood from the lower trunk and
legs.
A.
Superior vena cava
I.
Pulmonary veins
B.
Inferior vena cava
J.
Left atrium
C.
Right atrium
K.
Mitral valve
D.
Tricuspid valve
L.
Left ventricle
E.
Right ventricle
M.
Aortic valve
F.
Pulmonary valve
N.
Aorta
G.
Pulmonary arteries
O.
Interventricular septum
H.
Lungs
Figure 1-2. Blood flow to and from the heart (not drawn to scale, front view).
MD0532
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