The heart is a muscle responsible for blood circulation. It distributes blood throughout the body via a network of arteries and veins, supplying the tissues with oxygen, nutrients and various other health- and life-sustaining biochemical compounds. The heart is slightly larger in size than a clenched fist, and weighs on average approximately 300 grams. It is capable of beating over 100,000 times a day (at a rate of approximately 70 beats per minute), causing over 8,000 litres (quarts) of blood to travel around approximately 19,000 km (12,000 miles) of circulatory system.

The heart consists of 4 chambers: 2 receiving chambers known as atria and 2 pumping chambers known as ventricles. The blood enters the heart through the right atrium, travels to the right ventricle and is pumped into the lung circulation, where it is oxygenated. It then passively enters the left atrium, travels to the left ventricle, and is forcefully pumped throughout the circulatory system of the body. If you place your finger on the inner side of your wrist you can feel your pulse, which follows the contractions of the heart.

 
Warning: This information should not be used as a substitute to consultation from a physician.