Summary Of The Assignment: You Will Write A Technical Descri
Summary of the Assignment: You will write a technical description for a non-specialized audience explaining how something works
In this assignment, you are required to produce a technical description targeted at a non-technical audience. The goal is to explain the function and operation of an object or process with which you are familiar, avoiding instructions or procedural steps. Instead, your focus should be on describing how the object or process works, integrating visual elements—at least one graphic—to aid understanding. Graphics borrowed from other sources must be properly cited in APA format.
Your description should clarify what the object or process is, its purpose, appearance, constituent parts (if applicable), and the mechanisms behind its operation. Additionally, you should illustrate why the reader might find this information interesting or relevant. Visual details should be conveyed through both text and images, creating a comprehensive and engaging explanation.
The structure of your technical description should include the following sections: a title, an introduction (including definitions and general information), a body (detailing parts and characteristics), and a conclusion summarizing how the parts or steps work together. You should organize your description logically, choosing among spatial, importance, or chronological order, depending on what best suits your topic.
It is advisable not to describe how to perform the activity or operation but rather focus on explaining the process itself, particularly if it involves a phenomenon rather than manual action. For example, describing how a heart pumps blood or how a computer graphics card functions is appropriate, whereas instructing how to install a component or perform a task is not.
Paper For Above instruction
Title: How a Heart Pumps Blood: A Technical Description for Lay Readers
The human heart is an essential organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Its primary function is to circulate oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the tissues and to return deoxygenated blood back to the lungs for reoxygenation. This process sustains life by delivering nutrients and removing waste products. Understanding the mechanics of the heart can enhance appreciation for this vital muscular organ’s complex operation.
The heart is roughly the size of a fist and is composed mainly of cardiac muscle tissue. It has four chambers: two atria at the top and two ventricles at the bottom. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cava, which then passes it to the right ventricle. From here, blood is pumped to the lungs through the pulmonary artery for oxygenation. Conversely, oxygen-rich blood from the lungs enters the left atrium, moves into the left ventricle, and is subsequently pumped out through the aorta to supply the body. The heart’s muscular walls contract in a coordinated manner, controlled by electrical signals, to ensure blood is efficiently propelled through this cycle.
The process begins with electrical impulses originating in the sinoatrial (SA) node, often called the heart’s natural pacemaker. These impulses stimulate atrial contraction, pushing blood into the ventricles. The signals then pass through the atrioventricular (AV) node and travel along specialized conduction pathways called Purkinje fibers, causing the ventricles to contract in unison. This synchronized contraction produces a heartbeat, which can be felt as a pulse. The entire cycle repeats approximately 60 to 100 times per minute, depending on the individual’s activity level and health.
The heart’s structure is designed for durability and efficiency. The cardiac muscle tissue is rich in mitochondria, providing the energy required for continuous contractions. The heart’s valves (tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic) prevent backflow, ensuring unidirectional blood flow during each cycle. The pericardium, a protective sac surrounding the heart, cushions and stabilizes the organ within the chest cavity. The heart's placement between the lungs and its proximity to major blood vessels facilitate effective circulation and rapid response to bodily needs.
Visuals are crucial for understanding the heart’s operation. A labeled diagram illustrating the chambers, valves, and conduction system complements the explanation, helping demonstrate the flow of blood and electrical impulses. For example, showing the pathway from the sinoatrial node to the ventricles clarifies how electrical signals coordinate heartbeat timing. Such graphics make complex physiological processes accessible to non-specialists.
Why should readers be interested? Recognizing how the heart works fosters a deeper appreciation for cardiovascular health and the importance of lifestyle choices in maintaining a healthy heart. Understanding this process also emphasizes the significance of medical interventions and advances in cardiology that save lives by addressing heart diseases.
In conclusion, the heart operates as a sophisticated pump driven by electrical and muscular components working in harmony. Its structure ensures efficient circulation vital to human survival. By visualizing the parts and understanding their functions, non-experts can better grasp the remarkable complexity underlying this organ’s essential role in sustaining life.
References
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- Mohrman, D. E., & Heller, L. J. (2018). Cardiovascular Physiology (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- McMurry, J., & Sherman, W. (2016). Principles of Physiology. Elsevier.
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- Seidel, H., & Reusch, N. (2019). The Electrical Conduction System of the Heart. Cardiology Clinics, 37(3), 277-292.