What is the function of right atrium in circulatory system?
The right atrium is one of the four chambers of the heart involved in the circulatory system. It plays a crucial role in the circulation of blood, specifically the transportation of deoxygenated blood from the body to the lungs for oxygenation. Here are the primary functions of the right atrium:
1. Receiving Deoxygenated Blood: The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body through two large veins, known as the superior vena cava (which collects blood from the upper body) and the inferior vena cava (which collects blood from the lower body and organs below the heart).
2. Temporary Storage of Blood: The right atrium acts as a temporary reservoir for the deoxygenated blood until it is ready to be pumped to the lungs. It can hold a considerable amount of blood, especially when the body is at rest and the heart rate is slow.
3. Contraction and Pumping: The right atrium contracts periodically, which helps to push the deoxygenated blood into the right ventricle, the next chamber of the heart. This contraction is coordinated with the contraction of other heart chambers to ensure the proper flow of blood.
4. Regulation of Blood Flow: The right atrium has a structure called the sinoatrial node (SA node), which is the natural pacemaker of the heart. The SA node generates electrical impulses that trigger the heart's contractions, starting with the right atrium. This ensures that the heart beats at a regular rhythm.
5. Maintaining Proper Blood Pressure: The right atrium helps to maintain appropriate blood pressure within the circulatory system. When blood volume increases in the right atrium, it can stretch the chamber, which stimulates receptors that send signals to the heart and blood vessels to adjust the heart rate and blood flow accordingly.
6. Interatrial Septum: The right atrium is separated from the left atrium by a muscular wall called the interatrial septum. This septum prevents the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood between the right and left sides of the heart, ensuring proper circulation.
In summary, the right atrium's primary function is to receive deoxygenated blood from the body, temporarily store it, and pump it to the right ventricle, contributing to the overall circulation of blood throughout the body and lungs.