Lecture demonstration of heart function as a piston pump for liquid circulation

Abstract For the educational use it is suggested to use a simple hemodynamic model of the left heart atrium and ventricle. The model is meant to be assembled by students with subsequent demonstration in a classroom. The model is constructed of large transparent plastic syringes and soft transparent silicone tubes; it is also suggested to use glass balls, an inflatable balloon and other available materials to imitate the valves of the heart. The setup allows a visual demonstration of the heart’s function as a pump: systole and diastole of the atrium and ventricle; the operation of the valves that provides the pumping of liquid by the heart. The model allows demonstration of coordinated functioning of all parts of the heart.