What is the primary function of the right side of the heart?

The primary function of the right side of the heart is to pump oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. This is a crucial part of the circulatory system, allowing blood to receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The right side of the heart consists of the right atrium and right ventricle. Blood that returns from the body, depleted of oxygen, enters the right atrium, and is then pushed into the right ventricle. From there, it is sent through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs for oxygenation.

This process is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the body, making the right side of the heart vital for respiratory function. Once the blood is oxygenated in the lungs, it returns to the left side of the heart to be distributed throughout the body, highlighting the interconnected nature of the heart's functioning. The other functions, such as regulating blood pressure or receiving blood, while important, do not capture the primary role of the right side of the heart in the pulmonary circulation.