The heart, when drained of blood, appears white.
Why is a Bloodless Heart White?
When a heart is filled with blood, it appears red due to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. However, the heart tissue itself is not red. The color is derived entirely from the blood within the organ.
- The reference states that a heart will look white when drained of blood.
- This white color is the natural color of the heart muscle tissue and connective tissues.
- The absence of red blood allows the natural color of the heart tissues to be visible.
Color Change of the Heart
Here's how the color of the heart changes:
- Blood-Filled: A living, functioning heart is typically a reddish color due to the presence of oxygenated blood.
- Bloodless: When the blood is removed, the heart appears white or off-white.
Table Summary
Heart Condition | Color | Reason |
---|---|---|
Blood-Filled (Normal) | Red | Hemoglobin in the blood cells |
Bloodless (Drained) | White | Natural color of heart tissues |