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The mitral valve connects your left atrium and left ventricle. The aortic valve connects your left ventricle and aorta (large artery that carries blood away from your heart to the rest of your body). Blood flows through the heart in a series of arteries, ventricles, veins and valves.
Your heart’s main function is to move blood throughout your body. Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your cells. It also takes away carbon dioxide and other waste so other organs can dispose of them. Your heart also: Controls the rhythm and speed of your heart rate. Maintains your blood pressure.
The circulatory system (cardiovascular system) pumps blood from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen. The heart then sends oxygenated blood through arteries to the rest of the body. The veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart to start the circulation process over.
The great vessels of the heart are major blood vessels that connect directly to your heart. These arteries and veins circulate blood between your heart and lungs, and between your heart and the rest of your body.
As your heart pumps blood, four valves open and close to make sure blood flows in the correct direction. As they open and close, they make two sounds that create the sound of a heartbeat. The four valves are the aortic valve, mitral valve, pulmonary valve and tricuspid valve.
Plaque buildup, blood clots or narrowed blood vessels can lead to poor circulation. When obstacles or narrow paths slow down blood flow, it’s difficult for your body to send blood to every part of your body in an efficient way. Exercise and healthy food can help.
Your circulatory system, or cardiovascular system, supplies oxygen and nutrients to your whole body and removes waste through your blood. Your heart pumps blood that flows through your arteries, veins and capillaries. These blood vessels and your heart form your circulatory system.
Blood vessels carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. They’re essential for making sure your organs and tissues get the oxygen and nutrients they need to work. But blood vessels can develop problems, such as blockages or enlargement.
Left-sided heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump blood. It often happens in people with high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. You may experience systolic heart failure or diastolic heart failure.
Veins are blood vessels that carry oxygen-poor blood to your heart. Pulmonary veins are an exception because they carry oxygen-rich blood from your lungs to your heart. Veins in your legs fight gravity to push blood up toward your heart.