Structural and functional characteristics of each heart chamber
External anatomical features of the ventricles
The ventricles are essential heart chambers responsible for pumping blood into pulmonary and systemic circulation, each with unique structural adaptations.
Structural and Functional Characteristics of Each Heart Chamber
External Anatomical Features of the Ventricles
The human heart consists of four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle. The ventricles are the main pumping chambers responsible for distributing oxygenated and deoxygenated blood throughout the body.
Right Ventricle
The right ventricle receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and pumps it into the pulmonary circulation via the pulmonary artery.
- Thinner muscular walls compared to the left ventricle
- Tricuspid valve controls blood flow from the atrium
- Pulmonary valve prevents backflow into the ventricle
Left Ventricle
The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood received from the left atrium into systemic circulation through the aorta.
- Thicker muscular walls due to higher pressure needs
- Mitral valve regulates inflow from the left atrium
- Aortic valve prevents regurgitation
Functional Aspects of Ventricles
Each ventricle adapts structurally to meet the demands of circulation. The left ventricle, being the systemic pump, develops more muscular power compared to the right ventricle.
Physiological Role
The ventricles function through systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation) to regulate blood pressure and flow.
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