Heart anatomy
Heart anatomy by: Maggie The heart is divided into 4 chambers: 2 on the right hand side and 2 on the left. Each upper chamber is known as an atrium and each lower chamber as a ventricle. The 4 compartments are known as: the right atrium ; the right ventricle ; the left atrium and the left ventricle . Blood comes into the heart via the atria, which are the smaller chambers, and is pumped out via the larger ones — the ventricles. Right and left sides of the heart The right hand side of the heart (shown on the left of pictures and diagrams) pumps blood needing oxygen to the lungs. This blood goes to the lungs where it is loaded up with oxygen and sent back to the heart. The oxygen-rich blood enters the left side of the heart which then pumps it around the body to where it is needed. Blood which has delivered its oxygen to the muscles and tissues then returns back to the right-hand side of the heart to start the cycle again. Superior and inferior vena cavae
