The heart

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Nature of science:

Developments in scientific research followed improvements in apparatus or instrumentation—the invention of the stethoscope led to improved knowledge of the workings of the heart. (1.8)

Understandings:
  • Structure of cardiac muscle cells allows propagation of stimuli through the heart wall.
  • Signals from the sinoatrial node that cause contraction cannot pass directly from atria to ventricles.
  • There is a delay between the arrival and passing on of a stimulus at the atrioventricular node.
  • This delay allows time for atrial systole before the atrioventricular valves close.
  • Conducting fibres ensure coordinated contraction of the entire ventricle wall.
  • Normal heart sounds are caused by the atrioventricular valves and semilunar valves closing causing changes in blood flow.

Applications and skills:

  • Application: Use of artificial pacemakers to regulate the heart rate.
  • Application: Use of defibrillation to treat life-threatening cardiac conditions.
  • Application: Causes and consequences of hypertension and thrombosis.
  • Skill: Measurement and interpretation of the heart rate under different conditions.
  • Skill: Interpretation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements.
  • Skill: Mapping of the cardiac cycle to a normal ECG trace.
  • Skill: Analysis of epidemiological data relating to the incidence of coronary heart disease

. Guidance:

  • Include branching and intercalated discs in structure of cardiac muscle.
Theory of knowledge:
  • Symbols are used as a form of non-verbal communication. Why is the heart used as a symbol for love? What is the importance of symbols in different areas of knowledge?

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