The heart is divided into four chambers, each with a specific function in the process of pumping blood through the body. These chambers are:

1. Right Atrium

  • Location: The upper right portion of the heart.

  • Function: The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body through two large veins—the superior vena cava (from the upper body) and the inferior vena cava (from the lower body). It then pumps this blood through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle.

2. Right Ventricle

  • Location: The lower right portion of the heart, below the right atrium.

  • Function: The right ventricle receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and pumps it through the pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery, which carries the blood to the lungs for oxygenation.

3. Left Atrium

  • Location: The upper left portion of the heart.

  • Function: The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins. It then pumps this oxygen-rich blood through the bicuspid (mitral) valve into the left ventricle.

4. Left Ventricle

  • Location: The lower left portion of the heart, below the left atrium.

  • Function: The left ventricle receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumps it through the aortic valve into the aorta, which distributes the oxygen-rich blood to the entire body.

Summary of Blood Flow:

Right AtriumRight VentricleLungs (for oxygenation)

Left AtriumLeft VentricleAorta (to the body)

Key Points:

  • The right side of the heart (right atrium and right ventricle) pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

  • The left side of the heart (left atrium and left ventricle) pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

  • The atria (upper chambers) are responsible for receiving blood, while the ventricles (lower chambers) are responsible for pumping blood out.

These four chambers work together in a highly coordinated manner to ensure that blood circulates efficiently throughout the body, supporting various vital functions.

Chambers of the Heart