What is the function of the right atrium?

What is the function of the right atrium?

• A. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
• B. The right atrium pumps blood to the lungs.
• C. The right atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
• D. The right atrium delivers blood to the ventricles.

Answer: (A)

The right atrium serves as the receiving chamber for blood returning to the heart from the body. It collects deoxygenated blood via the superior and inferior vena cavae (and the coronary sinus) and then passes this blood into the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve to be sent to the lungs for oxygenation. This is why the statement describing the right atrium’s function is correct. Oxygenated blood from the lungs goes to the left atrium, and pumping to the lungs is done by the right ventricle. The right atrium mainly acts as a reservoir and conduit, not the pump to the lungs.

The right atrium serves as the receiving chamber for blood returning to the heart from the body. It collects deoxygenated blood via the superior and inferior vena cavae (and the coronary sinus) and then passes this blood into the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve to be sent to the lungs for oxygenation. This is why the statement describing the right atrium’s function is correct. Oxygenated blood from the lungs goes to the left atrium, and pumping to the lungs is done by the right ventricle. The right atrium mainly acts as a reservoir and conduit, not the pump to the lungs.