Open the App

Subjects

BiologyBiology111 views·Updated 18 Jul 2026·2 pages

The Heart: Structure, Function, and Diseases - AQA Biology

K
Kiana Coheh@kianacoheh_fdcp

Your heart is basically a powerful pump that keeps you...

1
of 2
Biology|The heart|AQA – page 1

The Heart Structure

Think of your heart as a four-room house with a clever traffic system. The four chambers work in pairs: two atria at the top (right and left atrium) and two ventricles at the bottom (right and left ventricle).

Here's how the blood journey works: deoxygenated blood from your body enters the right atrium through the vena cava, then flows down to the right ventricle. Meanwhile, oxygenated blood from your lungs enters the left atrium via the pulmonary vein, then moves to the left ventricle.

Heart valves are like one-way doors that prevent blood from flowing backwards. The tricuspid valve sits between the right atrium and ventricle, whilst the bicuspid valve does the same job on the left side. Semi-lunar valves guard the exits where blood leaves the heart through the pulmonary artery and aorta.

Key Point: The right side of your heart deals with deoxygenated blood going to the lungs, whilst the left side handles oxygenated blood going to the rest of your body.

2
of 2
Biology|The heart|AQA – page 2

Heart Problems and Solutions

Coronary heart disease (CHD) happens when fatty deposits called atheroma build up in your coronary arteries - the blood vessels that feed your heart muscle. These deposits form plaques that narrow the artery, reducing blood flow and potentially causing heart attacks.

When heart valves go wrong, you get two main problems: stiff valves that won't open properly, or leaky valves that let blood flow backwards. Both make your heart work harder and can cause breathlessness. Doctors can replace damaged valves with biological valves (from animals or donors) or mechanical valves.

Modern medicine offers brilliant solutions for heart problems. Stents are tiny tubes inserted into blocked arteries to keep them open - they're highly successful and last ages. Artificial pacemakers fix irregular heartbeats by sending electrical signals to your heart, taking over from your natural pacemaker (a group of cells in the right atrium).

Remember: Your heart has its own built-in electrical system, but sometimes it needs a bit of technological help to keep the rhythm steady!

We thought you’d never ask...

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Similar content

Most popular content: Heart

9
BiologyBiology

Human Heart Circulation

Explore the structure and function of the human heart in this detailed overview. Understand the double circulatory system, the flow of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, and the significance of heart valves and chambers. Ideal for GCSE AQA Biology students, this summary covers key concepts essential for mastering heart physiology.

99,159975
BiologyBiology

GCSE Biology Revision Essentials

Comprehensive summary of key concepts in GCSE Biology, covering cell structures, respiration, transport systems, digestion, and the immune response. Ideal for AQA GCSE students preparing for Paper 1. Enhance your understanding of enzymes, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system with this concise guide.

915,4373,080
BiologyBiology

Heart Structure & Function

Explore the anatomy and physiology of the heart, including the roles of the pulmonary artery, aorta, vena cava, and pulmonary veins. Understand how blood circulates through the heart's chambers and the significance of coronary arteries. This summary is essential for GCSE biology students studying the circulatory system.

104,85878
BiologyBiology

Animal Transport Systems

Explore the key concepts of transport in animals, including blood flow, heart structure, and the role of haemoglobin in oxygen dissociation. This comprehensive summary covers the cardiac cycle, blood vessels, and the circulatory system, providing essential insights for OCR A Biology Module 3.1.2.

1256119
BiologyBiology

Understanding the Cardiac Cycle

Explore the phases of the cardiac cycle, including systole and diastole, and their roles in blood circulation. This summary covers heart functions, pressure changes, and cardiac output calculations, essential for A Level biology students. Gain insights into how the heart pumps blood effectively and the significance of atrial and ventricular contractions.

125326
BiologyBiology

Mammalian Heart Anatomy

Explore the detailed anatomy and functions of the mammalian heart, including blood circulation pathways, heart chambers, valves, and the role of the sino-atrial node. This comprehensive overview is essential for A-level Biology students studying the cardiovascular system.

122,21694
BiologyBiology

Heart Structure & Function

Explore the anatomy and physiology of the human heart, including detailed diagrams and notes on blood circulation, heart chambers, valves, and coronary arteries. This summary covers key concepts such as the role of the atria and ventricles, the function of valves, and the importance of coronary arteries in supplying oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Ideal for biology revision.

93126
BiologyBiology

Human Biology Essentials

Explore key concepts in human biology, including blood sugar regulation, reproductive systems, cardiovascular health, and genetic disorders. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics such as thrombosis, hormonal control, and infertility treatments, providing a solid foundation for understanding human physiology and anatomy. Ideal for students preparing for exams or seeking to deepen their knowledge in higher human biology.

S55599
BiologyBiology

B1.2 Organisation

content for Organisation gcse biology combined

93234

Most popular content in Biology

9

Most popular content

9
SociologySociology

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

12102,9583,041
SociologySociology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

1273,7512,307
CriminologyCriminology

Criminology: Crime & Punishment Overview

Comprehensive mindmaps covering key concepts in the Crime and Punishment topic for WJEC Criminology Unit 4. This resource includes detailed insights into the Criminal Justice System, crime prevention strategies, sentencing models, and the roles of various agencies. Ideal for A-Level revision, ensuring you grasp essential theories and legislative processes to excel in your exams.

1254,8931,060
SociologySociology

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

1251,6691,400
C
BiologyBiology

Cell Biology and Cell structure

cell structures

93,2800
CriminologyCriminology

WJEC Unit 4 Criminology

Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note

127,176125
SociologySociology

Sociological Theories Overview

Comprehensive revision of key sociological theories including Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, and Interpretivism. Explore concepts like value freedom, identity formation, and the critique of social control. Ideal for AQA A-Level Sociology students preparing for exams. This summary covers essential theories and their implications in sociology, providing a clear understanding of each perspective.

1231,480846
T
BiologyBiology

The functions of subcellular structures - B1 Biology

Flashcards on the different functions of subcellular structures: cell membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, cytoplasm, permant vacuole, chloroplasts and cell wall.

102,8215
1
BiologyBiology

1.cells Gcse biology question cards

combined science higher biology

92,3634

Students love us — and so will you.

4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan SiOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha KlichAndroid user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

AnnaiOS user

BiologyBiology111 views·Updated 18 Jul 2026·2 pages

The Heart: Structure, Function, and Diseases - AQA Biology

K
Kiana Coheh@kianacoheh_fdcp

Your heart is basically a powerful pump that keeps you alive by pushing blood around your entire body 24/7. Understanding how this amazing organ works and what can go wrong with it is crucial for your biology studies and for...

1
of 2
Biology|The heart|AQA – page 1

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

  • Access to all documents
  • Improve your grades
  • Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Heart Structure

Think of your heart as a four-room house with a clever traffic system. The four chambers work in pairs: two atria at the top (right and left atrium) and two ventricles at the bottom (right and left ventricle).

Here's how the blood journey works: deoxygenated blood from your body enters the right atrium through the vena cava, then flows down to the right ventricle. Meanwhile, oxygenated blood from your lungs enters the left atrium via the pulmonary vein, then moves to the left ventricle.

Heart valves are like one-way doors that prevent blood from flowing backwards. The tricuspid valve sits between the right atrium and ventricle, whilst the bicuspid valve does the same job on the left side. Semi-lunar valves guard the exits where blood leaves the heart through the pulmonary artery and aorta.

Key Point: The right side of your heart deals with deoxygenated blood going to the lungs, whilst the left side handles oxygenated blood going to the rest of your body.

2
of 2
Biology|The heart|AQA – page 2

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

  • Access to all documents
  • Improve your grades
  • Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Heart Problems and Solutions

Coronary heart disease (CHD) happens when fatty deposits called atheroma build up in your coronary arteries - the blood vessels that feed your heart muscle. These deposits form plaques that narrow the artery, reducing blood flow and potentially causing heart attacks.

When heart valves go wrong, you get two main problems: stiff valves that won't open properly, or leaky valves that let blood flow backwards. Both make your heart work harder and can cause breathlessness. Doctors can replace damaged valves with biological valves (from animals or donors) or mechanical valves.

Modern medicine offers brilliant solutions for heart problems. Stents are tiny tubes inserted into blocked arteries to keep them open - they're highly successful and last ages. Artificial pacemakers fix irregular heartbeats by sending electrical signals to your heart, taking over from your natural pacemaker (a group of cells in the right atrium).

Remember: Your heart has its own built-in electrical system, but sometimes it needs a bit of technological help to keep the rhythm steady!

We thought you’d never ask...

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Similar content

Most popular content: Heart

9
BiologyBiology

Human Heart Circulation

Explore the structure and function of the human heart in this detailed overview. Understand the double circulatory system, the flow of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, and the significance of heart valves and chambers. Ideal for GCSE AQA Biology students, this summary covers key concepts essential for mastering heart physiology.

99,159975
BiologyBiology

GCSE Biology Revision Essentials

Comprehensive summary of key concepts in GCSE Biology, covering cell structures, respiration, transport systems, digestion, and the immune response. Ideal for AQA GCSE students preparing for Paper 1. Enhance your understanding of enzymes, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system with this concise guide.

915,4373,080
BiologyBiology

Heart Structure & Function

Explore the anatomy and physiology of the heart, including the roles of the pulmonary artery, aorta, vena cava, and pulmonary veins. Understand how blood circulates through the heart's chambers and the significance of coronary arteries. This summary is essential for GCSE biology students studying the circulatory system.

104,85878
BiologyBiology

Animal Transport Systems

Explore the key concepts of transport in animals, including blood flow, heart structure, and the role of haemoglobin in oxygen dissociation. This comprehensive summary covers the cardiac cycle, blood vessels, and the circulatory system, providing essential insights for OCR A Biology Module 3.1.2.

1256119
BiologyBiology

Understanding the Cardiac Cycle

Explore the phases of the cardiac cycle, including systole and diastole, and their roles in blood circulation. This summary covers heart functions, pressure changes, and cardiac output calculations, essential for A Level biology students. Gain insights into how the heart pumps blood effectively and the significance of atrial and ventricular contractions.

125326
BiologyBiology

Mammalian Heart Anatomy

Explore the detailed anatomy and functions of the mammalian heart, including blood circulation pathways, heart chambers, valves, and the role of the sino-atrial node. This comprehensive overview is essential for A-level Biology students studying the cardiovascular system.

122,21694
BiologyBiology

Heart Structure & Function

Explore the anatomy and physiology of the human heart, including detailed diagrams and notes on blood circulation, heart chambers, valves, and coronary arteries. This summary covers key concepts such as the role of the atria and ventricles, the function of valves, and the importance of coronary arteries in supplying oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Ideal for biology revision.

93126
BiologyBiology

Human Biology Essentials

Explore key concepts in human biology, including blood sugar regulation, reproductive systems, cardiovascular health, and genetic disorders. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics such as thrombosis, hormonal control, and infertility treatments, providing a solid foundation for understanding human physiology and anatomy. Ideal for students preparing for exams or seeking to deepen their knowledge in higher human biology.

S55599
BiologyBiology

B1.2 Organisation

content for Organisation gcse biology combined

93234

Most popular content in Biology

9

Most popular content

9
SociologySociology

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

12102,9583,041
SociologySociology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

1273,7512,307
CriminologyCriminology

Criminology: Crime & Punishment Overview

Comprehensive mindmaps covering key concepts in the Crime and Punishment topic for WJEC Criminology Unit 4. This resource includes detailed insights into the Criminal Justice System, crime prevention strategies, sentencing models, and the roles of various agencies. Ideal for A-Level revision, ensuring you grasp essential theories and legislative processes to excel in your exams.

1254,8931,060
SociologySociology

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

1251,6691,400
C
BiologyBiology

Cell Biology and Cell structure

cell structures

93,2800
CriminologyCriminology

WJEC Unit 4 Criminology

Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note

127,176125
SociologySociology

Sociological Theories Overview

Comprehensive revision of key sociological theories including Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, and Interpretivism. Explore concepts like value freedom, identity formation, and the critique of social control. Ideal for AQA A-Level Sociology students preparing for exams. This summary covers essential theories and their implications in sociology, providing a clear understanding of each perspective.

1231,480846
T
BiologyBiology

The functions of subcellular structures - B1 Biology

Flashcards on the different functions of subcellular structures: cell membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, cytoplasm, permant vacuole, chloroplasts and cell wall.

102,8215
1
BiologyBiology

1.cells Gcse biology question cards

combined science higher biology

92,3634

Students love us — and so will you.

4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan SiOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha KlichAndroid user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

AnnaiOS user