What is the primary function of the left ventricle in relation to the systemic circulation?

• A. Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
• B. Pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta and systemic circulation.
• C. Pumps blood to the pulmonary veins.
• D. Pumps deoxygenated blood into the venous system.

Answer: (B)

The left ventricle’s main job is to propel oxygen-rich blood into the aorta and onward to the systemic circulation. It receives blood from the left atrium through the mitral valve and, with strong contraction, ejects it through the aortic valve into the aorta so all body tissues receive oxygenated blood. Its thick muscular wall is built for generating the high pressure needed to push blood through the systemic circulation, which has greater resistance than the pulmonary circuit.

This differs from the right ventricle, which pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. The left ventricle does not send blood to the pulmonary veins or into the venous system, and it does not carry deoxygenated blood.