What is the primary function of the heart?

The primary function of the heart is to supply oxygenated blood to the body. The heart acts as a pump, circulating blood throughout the entire body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs while also facilitating the removal of carbon dioxide and waste products. This process is vital for maintaining homeostasis and supporting cellular functions.

The heart achieves this through a coordinated series of contractions, moving blood through a complex system of arteries, veins, and capillaries. The right side of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation, while the left side receives the newly oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the rest of the body. This dual circuit ensures that tissues receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function effectively.