Aim: to teach the basic anatomy and physiology of the heart.

Objectives: on completion of this learning package students will be able to:

1. Describe the gross anatomy of the heart and the function of heart valves.
2. Describe the histological cell types in the heart, their function and role in normal cardiac function.
3. Explain the pressure and volume changes occurring during filling and ejection phases of the cardiac cycle and relate these to the ECG and heart sounds.
4. Explain the physiological basis of the electrocardigram and relate the ECG record to heart function.
5. Appreciate how autonomic nerves, hormones and intrinsic ( autoregulatory ) mechanisms interact to regulate cardiac output.