Ventricles

Definition

Ventricles are the two lower chambers of the heart responsible for pumping blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to systemic circulation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The left ventricle has thicker walls compared to the right ventricle due to higher pressure needed to pump blood throughout the body.
2. The right ventricle sends deoxygenated blood to the pulmonary arteries for oxygenation in the lungs.
3. Ventricular contraction is termed systole, while relaxation is termed diastole.
4. The interventricular septum separates the right and left ventricles, preventing mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
5. Common conditions affecting ventricles include ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular fibrillation, and congestive heart failure.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of the left ventricle?
• How does ventricular hypertrophy affect heart function?
• What role does the interventricular septum play in cardiac function?

Related terms

Atria: The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from veins.

Myocardium: The muscular tissue of the heart responsible for contractions.

Cardiac Output: The volume of blood pumped by each ventricle per minute.