Heart

The heart (Latin cor) is a hollow, muscular organ that pumps blood through the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions. The heart also secrets ANF, a powerful peptide hormone, that affects the blood vessels, the adrenal glands, the kidneys and the regulatory regions of the brain to regulate blood pressure and volume. The term cardiac means "related to the heart", from the Greek kardia (??????) for "heart".

The hearts of other animals

Structure

The structure of the heart of other mammals is quite similar to that of humans, with four chambers. Birds also have a four-chambered heart; however, it is thought that this evolved independently of that of mammals. Amphibians have a three-chambered heart. Reptilia also have a three-chambered

Related Topics:
Mammal - Bird - Amphibians - Reptilia

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heart, except for crocodilians (which have four). Fish have a single circulation system and a heart with two chambers. The hearts of arthropods and mollusks have a single chamber.

Related Topics:
Crocodilia - Fish - Arthropod - Mollusk

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Heartbeat

Smaller animals have faster heartbeats. This is evident within a species as well, as the young beat their hearts faster than the adults.

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The Gray Whale's heart beats 9 times per minute, Harbour Seal 10 when diving, 140 when on land, elephant 25, human 70, sparrow 500, shrew 600, and hummingbird 1,200 when hovering.

Related Topics:
Gray Whale - Minute - Harbour Seal - Elephant - Human - Sparrow - Shrew - Hummingbird

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The earthworm has a series of multiple primitive hearts.

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Food use

The hearts of cattle, sheep, pigs and certain fowl are consumed as food in many countries. They are counted among offal, but being a muscle, the taste of heart is much more like regular meat than that of other offal. It resembles venison in structure and taste.

Related Topics:
Cattle - Sheep - Pig - Offal - Venison

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