Which part of the heart is responsible for pumping blood?

The ventricles of the heart are the chambers specifically responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The heart has four main chambers: two atria and two ventricles. While the atria receive blood from the body and lungs, it is the ventricles that actually push the blood out of the heart. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, while the left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the tissues.

The valves in the heart play an important role in ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction and prevents backflow, but they do not perform the function of pumping blood. The septum, which is a muscular wall, separates the right and left sides of the heart but is not involved in the pumping action itself; rather, it maintains the structural integrity of the heart. Thus, the primary role of pumping blood is fulfilled by the ventricles, making them critical for effective circulation.