Station 5
What happens when you squeeze the pump? What does that represent in your body?
The liquid moves, just like blood being pumped by the heart.
Why might a clogged artery cause a heart attack?
It blocks blood flow to the heart, which can stop it from getting oxygen.
This chamber of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs
left atrium
This condition occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, often by a clot in the coronary arteries.
heart attack (myocardial infarction)
This is the only artery in the human body that carries deoxygenated blood.
pulmonary artery
How would the system change if the "heart" pumped more slowly or more quickly? What impact would that have on the body?
Too slow = not enough oxygen, too fast = extra strain on the heart.
How could exercise help prevent these problems?
It keeps blood vessels healthy and reduces plaque buildup.
This valve prevents backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium.
tricuspid valve
This term refers to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
hypertension
This organ pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood through your body every day.
the heart
What would happen if an artery were clogged or blocked in this experiment? How does that relate to real health issues like heart disease?
The liquid wouldn't flow well, just like blood struggling to reach the heart in heart disease.
What foods could clog arteries?
Fried foods, fast food, processed meats, and foods high in bad fats.
This part of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
left ventricle
This type of cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" and can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
These tiny blood vessels are so small that red blood cells must pass through them in single file.
capillaries
What would happen if you added more "blood" (liquid) to the model? How would that affect circulation?
It could increase pressure, like high blood pressure in the body.
Why do doctors check blood pressure?
High blood pressure can damage arteries and lead to heart disease.
These blood vessels supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients.
coronary arteries
This heart condition is characterized by an irregular or abnormal heartbeat.
arrhythmia
This is the approximate length of all the blood vessels in an adult human body if laid end to end.
100,000 Km or 62,000 miles
What do you notice about the movement of the liquid? How does it mimic real circulation?
It moves in pulses, like blood flowing through veins and arteries.
How could smoking affect the heart?
It narrows blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases heart disease risk.
This structure acts as the heart's natural pacemaker and initiates the heartbeat.
sinoatrial (SA) node
This procedure involves using a balloon to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart.
angioplasty
This is the name of the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and gives blood its red color.
hemoglobin