Heart structure (Edexcel A-level PE)

This fully-resourced lesson describes the structure of the heart as well as the associated blood vessels. Both the engaging PowerPoint and accompanying differentiated resources have been designed to cover the 1st part of point 1.2.5 as detailed in the Edexcel A-level PE specification which states that students need to learn about the anatomical components and structure of the heart.

The structure of the heart is a topic which was covered in part at GCSE so this lesson has been written to build on that prior knowledge. The main task of the lesson involves students labelling the different structures as they are recalled. Time is taken at different points of the lesson to look at some of the structures and concepts in further detail. For example, students will learn that humans have a double circulatory system, as detailed in point 1.2.6, and that the thicker muscular wall of the left ventricle allows the blood in the systemic circulation to be pumped at a higher pressure than in the pulmonary circulation. Students are also challenged to explain why a hole in the septum would cause health issues for an affected individual and this links back to previous work in unit 1 on energy systems.

By the end of the lesson, the students will be able to identify the following structures and describe their individual functions:

• right and left atria
• right and left ventricles
• septum
• tricuspid and bicuspid valve
• semi-lunar valves
• pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein
• vena cava
• aorta

A number of quiz rounds are used throughout the lesson to introduce key terms in a fun and memorable way before the final round is used as a final check so they can assess whether they can recognise the structures and recall their functions.