Which part of the heart is primarily responsible for pumping blood to the lungs?

The right ventricle is the chamber of the heart primarily responsible for pumping blood to the lungs. Its main function is to receive deoxygenated blood returning from the body via the right atrium and then, through contraction, propel that blood into the pulmonary arteries. Once the blood reaches the lungs, it undergoes oxygenation, allowing carbon dioxide to be expelled and oxygen to be absorbed. This process is crucial for maintaining the body's oxygen levels and is a key component of the circulatory system.

The left atrium, while important for receiving oxygenated blood from the lungs, does not play a direct role in sending blood to the lungs. The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body, and the right atrium serves as the entry point for deoxygenated blood returning from the systemic circulation. Thus, the right ventricle's unique role in the pulmonary circulation highlights its importance in the overall functioning of the cardiovascular system.