A&P – Baker
Unit 5 – Heart and Blood - Objectives
By the end of this unit you should be able to:
1. Identify and discuss the structures (and functions) of the heart: atria, ventricles, valves,
epicardium, myocardium, endocardium, chordae tendineae, septum, papillary muscles
2. Differentiate between the chambers of the heart.
3. Identify and discuss the coverings of the heart, the “layers”, and their functions: fibrous layer,
parietal layer, visceral layer and pericardial cavity
4. Identify, differentiate between and discuss the functions of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules
and veins.
5. Discuss the three layers of blood vessels and explain why the thickness of these layers varies.
6. Describe/trace blood-flow pathways of systemic and pulmonary circulation.
7. Describe/trace blood-flow pathway of coronary circulation.
8. Identify/locate the major arteries and veins of the body.
9. Describe /trace fetal circulation and discuss changes in circulation at/after birth.
10. Discuss the development and changes in the heart from fetus to old age.
11. Describe the structure of cardiac muscle and discuss a muscle contraction.
12. Identify and describe hearts in different vertebrate groups and discuss the evolution of hearts.
13. Identify, differentiate between and discuss the functions of the components of blood; plasma and
formed elements
14. Describe blood volume and discuss why/how it differs between sexes and among people.
15. Discuss the anatomy and physiology of a red blood cell and identify how this aids in its function.
16. Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried in the blood and identify/discuss why this is
necessary.
17. Discuss how this (Obj 15) influences heart rate.
18. Describe what sickle-cell anemia is and discuss how it could be selected for in a population.
19. Describe how the body responds to decreased oxygen levels.
20. Describe the “lifetime” of a rbc
21. Explain the A, B, O and Rh-factor of blood types and discuss how these influence blood
donation.
22. Explain how blood clots and differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms.
23. Describe four cardiovascular diseases and include the causes, symptoms, effects, and
treatments/cures for each.