where does ventricle contraction pump blood?
A atria
B the other ventricle
C major arteries
D major veins
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: C. Major arteries
Explanation (300 words):
The human heart is a muscular organ composed of four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). The ventricles are responsible for pumping blood out of the heart and into the circulatory system. When the ventricles contract—a phase known as systole—they forcefully push blood into the major arteries, ensuring oxygen and nutrients are delivered throughout the body.
The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery, which carries it to the lungs for oxygenation. On the other hand, the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta, the body’s largest artery, which then distributes it to the rest of the body.
It’s important to note that:
- The atria receive blood and are not the primary recipients of ventricular contractions (eliminating option A).
- The other ventricle does not receive blood from its counterpart during contraction. Each ventricle functions independently in terms of pumping blood into its respective artery (ruling out option B).
- Major veins (option D) carry blood toward the heart, not away from it. Thus, they are not the target of ventricular pumping.
The valves between the heart chambers and the arteries ensure that blood flows in one direction and prevent backflow. For instance, the pulmonary valve and aortic valve open during ventricular contraction, allowing blood to flow into the pulmonary artery and aorta, respectively.
In summary, ventricular contraction is a crucial part of the cardiac cycle, and its main function is to pump blood into the major arteries—the pulmonary artery and the aorta—thereby driving circulation through the pulmonary and systemic circuits. This makes option C the correct answer.