How many chambers are in the heart?

The heart has four chambers: the left atrium, the right atrium, the left ventricle, and the right ventricle. This structure is essential for the heart's function of pumping blood throughout the body. The two atria are responsible for receiving blood—one side receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, while the other side receives deoxygenated blood from the body. The ventricles then pump this blood out of the heart: the left ventricle sends oxygen-rich blood to the body, and the right ventricle sends oxygen-poor blood to the lungs for re-oxygenation.

Each chamber plays a critical role in the cardiac cycle, ensuring that blood circulates efficiently and effectively. Understanding the number and function of these chambers is foundational for anyone studying veterinary medicine, as it applies to both human and animal physiology.