Questions: f. Describe the pathway the blood takes from the left atrium to head toward the body proper. List the chambers, valves and major blood vessels it passes through on its path out of the heart.

To describe the pathway the blood takes from the left atrium to head toward the body proper, we need to follow the flow of blood through the heart and into the systemic circulation. Here is the detailed pathway:

1. Left Atrium: Blood enters the left atrium from the pulmonary veins, which carry oxygenated blood from the lungs.

2. Mitral Valve (Bicuspid Valve): From the left atrium, the blood passes through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. The mitral valve ensures that blood flows in one direction and prevents backflow into the left atrium.

3. Left Ventricle: The left ventricle is a powerful chamber that pumps oxygenated blood into the systemic circulation. It has thick muscular walls to generate the necessary pressure.

4. Aortic Valve: When the left ventricle contracts, the blood is pushed through the aortic valve into the aorta. The aortic valve prevents backflow of blood into the left ventricle.

5. Aorta: The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body. The aorta has several branches that supply blood to various parts of the body, including the head, arms, and lower body.

In summary, the pathway of blood from the left atrium to the body proper involves the following sequence: left atrium → mitral valve → left ventricle → aortic valve → aorta. This pathway ensures that oxygenated blood is efficiently delivered to the tissues and organs throughout the body.