Question

1. Why is the direction of the wave of contraction so important in the heart?

Answer 1

Explanation:

The direction of waves of contraction in the heart are very important because they represent the cardiac contraction pathway. It begins from sinoatrial node due to spontaneous depolarization (nodal cells) and triggering of action potentials and transmission of the same to the cardiac cells taking part in the conduction pathway in the cardiac muscle fibers.

The blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle via the tricuspid valves when the atrium contracts and ventricles expand. Once the ventricles receive its full amount of blood the tricuspid valves shuts to prevent any backflow of blood into the atrium. When the ventricles contract, blood enter the aorta through the aortic valve.

Iron is an important mineral required by the body to produce the ‘heme’ part of the protein hemoglobin present in the red blood cells of the blood. Oxygen binds with hemoglobin and is carried via blood to various parts of the body. Hence intake of recommended dietary allowance of iron is very important since deficiency can lead to various conditions like anemia.

Polycythemia vera is a condition which leads to increased production of red blood cells. this increases the blood volume and thickens the blood and slows down the blood flow and causes blood clots. The slowness of blood flow and formation of blood clots can lead to heart failure and heart attacks respectively.