---
title: Heart Anatomy and Function
date: 2021-08-28T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/heart-anatomy-and-function"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Heart Anatomy and Function

A high-level overview of cardiac anatomy, geared toward patients and with information about ways to improve heart health.

> Your heart is the main organ of your cardiovascular system, a network of blood vessels that pumps blood throughout your body. It also works with other body systems to control your heart rate and blood pressure. Your family history, personal health history and lifestyle all affect how well your heart works.

[Read the full article ](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21704-heart)

SOURCE: Cleveland Clinic • LAST UPDATED: January 26, 2024

![Adobe Stock 87712066](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAERUlEQVRIiY1WUa7jOAwjKTvd+x922sSWuB92+9ruG2ANo0gTQBQpUTZt43MZmMCsMa+RY9QYlVlVsAmQkkIRai1aU2sRTSECAojvpf+8ecOBYRuwDRv++bM+7Zf4TvF9tb8DGGW4UHvbJmCKoEmzXIUyyhZI+DcGvwAYMMqVzs9tAwTLYQNeMJKLLjqC+AXjLwCZnumcntNjeM7KXHKJqirWEghFPgnR0v9kYOd0To9Zq8hjONNlAiUpoqJg01hZmzDoRov4JPEbQK3Ep8fwdfm8agzPuQAoIQKts6pWXwEEDZowGj4xvgEMr+g1rrquOq86z7ouz+ksAJQcgT5RCZsbg+TmAQbJVzG+Aaqmx/Qcvoav0+ejHo86L4/hKhiU0BrmRBbLtAUYKIJcmsEtSP7KwJ7pOWsMr/QfZ90f9Xh4DGf+ABwHs1b04l7rAYQJRID8BnCl53xJ5POsx6Pu93rc67w855aod8zJKsIrcZKUKFki6ZW+guInwOr31ZrXqOvy+fD97vsfP86aEzYV6J3/JG2CRa3Z4QhLlkxhEQFsvQMUspAvEkulsx6P+nOvx91joIyI6gcrCYuskCIczdEcsWAomgRB+g0g39z7wjgvn6cfd/+513WhihE6hm1TFU2tuXeP7t6d09lc5SpWgYTeGVSh7No8MKfHxJi+FsbD5wNVUDjTpFu4dx+Hx/AczulMV6ISFXbRtH+KvIZloWyXF1Klc2JuGJwXMhFhwK35ujAGlgczkYksVLkKK45MvySyn2P49bumqfc0zUROzIQLEZgTcyKfoSux49YKxec814vAz+824bInl2X4co7NZyCU6eI+GArr7PLztPgy2nOC8BlWlBCCgtEYgdb2ZwUlPqHxM3n8leMbALENI4KighGMUOtalTxuqKKCJHtXa4pgSCLF77UHIMAfBgQFChJDjGAL9s7eebvxupTTBOYkwN50HAuGLZaHFyesrecDX05esmjl3tgaW1c/dLvpGp4TthWYgwAjdLvpdrAfal2tMd5gtEJtqd98sD5HMIKtqXceB283jelKAl5D1FZIvcftnzgO9SfA2k8YiJA+jbbSV7A19s7j0Jjax4BLcm+YSZcktabbTbebjv5WkmBoJ0pB/B52CLGFZlNr6l23QzldBZjUYkCboiJ0dB2H+qHe1Ru3UBsDm4c+AbT1Ye+cqUzl7m5LHo1zwiVSCvWm49Bx7OjtpVI8VRLxBUDs/smm3qtSy59ASYiGnKwisVXqXb2vOitWJfQeHeD3kckfEqnqrvKyu4gQsrGKu16h1ce98S06nmVYZvvPrYJ4dmoyi1WqKlsEqM1gd5zU2spdbUUPLOOJLyv/dnWMYObWqhqztC+npLgBlpiL69Y93nwggL/fKrbnXi2rYAtUoBr3zbEIE9yGfymuNWb2/uu96NlO2/Gvo3x3ngVgXXPXNFyeeg0JfkYH8C/1nXiv53L+3AAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health)
- [ understanding heart conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-heart-conditions)
- [anatomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/anatomy)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.

![My Story- Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-wanting-more-in-the-sex-ed-curriculum)

[ResourcesWatch

## "Cellular Memory": Can a Heart Transplant Affect Our Personality?

In this video, a neurosurgeon and a transplant survivor discuss the possibility that memories could be stored outside the brain.

![pexels-cottonbro-7579823](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this video, a neurosurgeon and a transplant survivor discuss the possibility that memories could be stored outside the brain.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/cellular-memory-can-a-heart-transplant-affect-our-personality)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## What It's Really Like Living with a Sexually Transmitted Infection

Jenelle shares her story of living with an STI and how she went from devastated and embarrassed to empowered.

![Jenelle-Marie-Pierce](data:image/png;base64,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)

Jenelle shares her story of living with an STI and how she went from devastated and embarrassed to empowered.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-what-its-really-like-living-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## The Missing Vagina Monologue

Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina.

![An image of Esther Morris Leidolf](data:image/png;base64,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)

Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/the-missing-vagina-monologue)

[ResourcesWatch

## Hands Only CPR

Performing CPR is easier than you think, and no longer requires mouth-to-mouth ‘rescue breaths.’

![cpr-maseok-Kim-pixabay](data:image/png;base64,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)

Performing CPR is easier than you think, and no longer requires mouth-to-mouth ‘rescue breaths.’](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/hands-only-cpr)

[ResourcesRead

## Physical and Emotional Impact of a Heart Transplant

This article uncovers the emotional and mental challenges that can result when undergoing a heart transplant.

![Hand heart attack background beat cardiac 1575611 pxhere com scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article uncovers the emotional and mental challenges that can result when undergoing a heart transplant.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/physical-and-emotional-impact-of-a-heart-transplant)

[ResourcesListen

## Radiolab Podcast Presents: Gonads

A podcast series about genetics, chromosomes, gender, genitalia, and “the parts of us that let us make more of us.”

![mitosis-g3126702a3_1920](data:image/png;base64,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)

A podcast series about genetics, chromosomes, gender, genitalia, and “the parts of us that let us make more of us.”](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/radiolab-podcast-presents-gonads)

[ResourcesRead

## The Menstrual Cycle

What is the menstrual cycle? What happens in our bodies and how do the different stages of menstruation feel?

![A drawing of a person riding a surfboard, the background is red and the wave is light pink, like they are "riding the crimson wave”.](data:image/png;base64,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)

What is the menstrual cycle? What happens in our bodies and how do the different stages of menstruation feel?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-menstrual-cycle)