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How the heart actually pumps blood - Edmond Hui

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TEDEd Animation

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For most of history, scientists weren’t quite sure why our hearts were beating or even what purpose they served. Eventually, we realized that these thumping organs serve the vital task of pumping clean blood throughout the body. But how? Edmond Hui investigates how it all works by taking a closer look at the heart’s highly efficient ventricle system.

The atrioventricular valves seal by the surfaces of the flaps coming together- the edges of the flaps do not scrape against each other or against the walls of the ventricles. Why is this frictionless way of closing, which doesn’t cause any wear on the valves, important?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Edmond Hui
  • Animator Anton Bogaty
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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