What is the role of the left side of the heart?

The left side of the heart plays a crucial role in the circulatory system by pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body. After oxygen has been absorbed in the lungs, the blood returns to the left atrium, then passes into the left ventricle. From there, the left ventricle contracts to propel the oxygen-rich blood into the aorta, the main artery that distributes blood to the rest of the body.

This process is vital for delivering necessary oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, ensuring their proper function. The emphasis on the left side of the heart is significant because it actively supports systemic circulation, which is responsible for nourishing the entire body, contrasting with the right side, which focuses on pulmonary circulation and managing deoxygenated blood returning from the body to the lungs.