The Heart of the Matter
Figure 1. The circulatory systemCopyright GirlsHealth.gov, http://www.4girls.gov/body/body_tool2.htm
This lesson describes how the circulatory system works, including the heart, blood vessels and blood. Students learn about the chambers and valves of the heart, the difference between veins and arteries, and the different components of blood. This lesson also covers the technology engineers have developed to repair the heart if it is damaged. Students also understand how the circulatory system is affected during spaceflight (e.g., astronauts lose muscle in their heart during space travel).
Engineers continue to help protect the heart by developing technological devices to repair it. Artificial heart valves made of metal were developed to replace faulty valves (e.g., valves that do not fully close, which allows blood to flow in the wrong direction). NASA engineers used the technology that the fuel pumps in the Space Shuttle were based on to help design a tiny ventricular assist pump (which helps pump blood through the body). Artificial hearts were developed by engineers to keep hospitalized patients alive while they are waiting for a heart transplant. Engineers are currently working on creating completely internal, artificial hearts. Understanding the circulatory system is also important in order for engineers to keep astronauts healthy during spaceflight (e.g., to help prevent the heart from losing muscle mass during space travel).
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the function of circulatory system.
- Describe the heart as a pump.
- List some devices that engineers have created to help the heart.
- Describe how spaceflight affects the circulatory system.