Internal Structure of the Heart (Part 1)

In terms of size and shape, the human heart is about the size of a closed fist. It also lies to the left of the center. Hearts are responsible for pumping enough blood to supply a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and other vital organs.

As you take this quiz, you will be able to identify each part of the internal structure of the heart and its function to maintain the heart’s normal function.

  • Question of

    In the heart, attach the papillary muscles to the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve.

    • Chordae tendineae
    • Inferior vena cava (or IVC)
    • Pectinate muscles
    • Papillary muscles

    Correct Wrong

    In the heart, chordae tendineae (tendinous cords) connect the papillary muscles to the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve, and are commonly known as heart strings.

  • Question of

    Prevents backflow from the aorta. It normally is composed of three flaps.

    • Aortic valve
    • Mitral valve
    • Trabeculae carneae
    • Inferior vena cava (or IVC)

    Correct Wrong

    An aortic semilunar valve, or aortic valve, prevents backflow from the aorta. It is normally composed of three flaps.

  • Question of

    Deoxygenated blood is transported from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart through this large vein.

    • Inferior vena cava (or IVC)
    • Fossa ovalis
    • Interventricular septum
    • Pulmonary artery

    Correct Wrong

    Normally, deoxygenated blood travels from the lower and middle body to the right atrium of the heart through the inferior vena cava (IVC). At the fifth lumbar vertebra, the right and left common iliac veins join.

  • Question of

    An oval-shaped depression that marks the former location of the foramen ovale.

    • Fossa ovalis
    • Tricuspid valve
    • Chordae tendineae
    • Myocardium

    Correct Wrong

    A depressed structure varying in shape, the fossa ovalis lies in the inferior aspect of the right interatrial septum. The fossa ovalis is a remnant of the foramen ovale, which normally closes shortly after birth. It manifests as an oval depression in the inferior part of the interatrial septum in adulthood.

  • Question of

    Located in the ventricles of the heart, these muscles restrict the movement of the mitral and tricuspid valves.

    • Papillary muscles
    • Pectinate muscles
    • Endocardium
    • Trabeculae carneae

    Correct Wrong

    Heart papillary muscles serve to limit the movement of mitral and tricuspid valves. By contracting these muscles, the chordae tendineae are tightened, preventing inversion. The action occurs due to pressure gradients. The valves are braced to prevent ventricular blood from leaking back into the atrium because of the high pressure.

  • Question of

    A structure that separates the upper and lower parts of the right heart (right atrium and right ventricle).

    • Tricuspid valve
    • Superior vena cava
    • Trabeculae carneae
    • Pectinate muscles

    Correct Wrong

    Tricuspid valve separates the lower right chamber (the right ventricle) from the upper right chamber (right atrium). During right ventricular contraction (systole), the valve prevents blood from backflowing (regurgitation) into the right atrium.

  • Question of

    Body’s principal and largest artery.

    • Aorta
    • Pectinate muscles
    • Tricuspid valve
    • Inferior vena cava (or IVC)

    Correct Wrong

    Aorta is the principal and largest artery in human anatomy. From the left ventricle of the heart, it extends into the abdomen and divides into two smaller arteries (the common iliac arteries). By way of systemic circulation, the aorta distributes oxygenated blood throughout the body.

  • Question of

    Are ridges of muscle covered by the endocardium located in the ventricles.

    • Trabeculae carneae
    • Atrium
    • Fossa ovalis
    • Chordae tendineae

    Correct Wrong

    The ventricle walls are lined with ridges of cardiac muscle covered by endocardium, known as trabeculae carneae. The fractal branching pattern of trabeculae maintains cardiac function in both healthy and failing hearts by increasing contractility and stroke work.

  • Question of

    This is the innermost layer of tissue that lines the heart chambers.

    • Endocardium
    • Aorta
    • Chordae tendineae
    • Atrium

    Correct Wrong

    A heart's endocardium is the innermost layer of tissue that lines its chambers. Embryologically and biologically, the cells it contains resemble those in the endothelium that lines blood vessels. It also protects the heart valves and chambers.

  • Question of

    Divides the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) from one another.

    • Interventricular septum
    • Myocardium
    • Pulmonary veins
    • Fossa ovalis

    Correct Wrong

    Known as the interventricular septum, this structure separates the lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart from one another.