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    Related Topics

    From Cardiovascular System

    Descending Aorta
    Portion of the aorta descending through thorax and abdomen.
    Great Saphenous Vein
    Longest vein in the body, running along the leg.
    Brachiocephalic Veins
    Formed by the union of subclavian and internal jugular veins.
    Ascending Aorta
    Initial portion of the aorta emerging from the heart.
    Auricles
    Small muscular pouches of each atrium.
    Thoracic Aorta
    Part of descending aorta within the chest.
    Middle Cardiac Vein
    Drains the posterior heart.
    Popliteal Veins
    Drain blood from the knee region.
    Moderator Band
    Muscular band of heart tissue found in the right ventricle.
    Internal Jugular Veins
    Drain blood from the brain and deep structures of the head.
    Fossa Ovalis
    Remnant of the fetal foramen ovale.
    Popliteal Arteries
    Continuation of femoral arteries behind the knee.
    Internal Iliac Veins
    Drain pelvic organs.
    Femoral Veins
    Major deep veins of the thigh.
    Subclavian Veins
    Carry blood from the upper limbs to the heart.
    Visceral Layer (Epicardium)
    Covers the external surface of the heart.
    Brachial Arteries
    Major artery of the upper arm.
    Radial Arteries
    Supply the lateral aspect of the forearm and hand.
    Pericardial Cavity
    Space between parietal and visceral layers of the serous pericardium containing fluid.
    Superior Vena Cava
    Returns deoxygenated blood from upper body.
    Basilic Veins
    Superficial veins of the medial upper limb.
    Left Subclavian Artery
    Supplies the left upper limb.
    Right Superior Pulmonary Vein
    Returns oxygenated blood from right lung.
    Common Iliac Arteries
    Branch from abdominal aorta to supply the lower limbs.
    Left Pulmonary Artery
    Carries blood to left lung.

    Right Ventricle

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Pumps blood to the lungs via pulmonary artery.

    Overview

    The right ventricle is one of the four chambers of the heart, responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary circulation. It receives blood from the right atrium and propels it through the pulmonary valve into the pulmonary trunk, which directs the blood to the lungs for oxygenation. Structurally and functionally adapted to operate under low pressure, the right ventricle is essential in maintaining the continuous flow of blood through the lungs.

    Location

    The right ventricle occupies the anterior portion of the heart and forms most of the sternocostal surface and the inferior border. It lies:

    • Anterior to the left ventricle

    • Inferior to the right atrium

    • Posterior to the sternum and costal cartilages

    Its apex is directed toward the left and inferiorly, contributing to the lower margin of the heart but not forming the true apex, which is formed by the left ventricle.

    Structure

    The right ventricle has a crescent or triangular shape in cross-section and is divided into three functional components:

    • Inlet portion: Includes the tricuspid valve and associated chordae tendineae and papillary muscles

    • Trabeculated apical portion: Contains muscular ridges (trabeculae carneae), including the moderator band

    • Outlet portion (infundibulum or conus arteriosus): Smooth-walled area leading to the pulmonary valve and trunk

    The wall of the right ventricle is thinner than the left ventricle (about 3–5 mm) due to its operation under lower pressure. The internal surface is lined by prominent trabeculae carneae that aid in efficient contraction.

    Function

    The primary function of the right ventricle is to:

    • Receive deoxygenated blood from the right atrium via the tricuspid valve

    • Propel blood into the pulmonary circulation through the pulmonary valve and trunk

    It contracts during systole, generating the pressure needed to open the pulmonary valve and eject blood into the pulmonary arteries. This ensures proper oxygenation of blood in the lungs.

    Physiological Role(s)

    The right ventricle plays several key physiological roles:

    • Maintains pulmonary circulation: Supplies continuous blood flow to the lungs for gas exchange

    • Regulates venous return: Ensures systemic venous blood is cleared efficiently to prevent congestion

    • Supports ventricular interdependence: Its motion and pressure changes influence left ventricular filling and function (via the interventricular septum and pericardial constraint)

    • Responds to volume and pressure changes: The right ventricle adapts more readily to volume overload than to pressure overload

    Clinical Significance

    The right ventricle is involved in numerous cardiovascular conditions, many of which can severely impact circulatory dynamics:

    • Right Ventricular Failure: Can result from left heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or primary right-sided disease (e.g., tricuspid regurgitation). Leads to systemic venous congestion, hepatomegaly, and peripheral edema.

    • Pulmonary Hypertension: Increased afterload leads to right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual dilation and failure.

    • Right Ventricular Infarction: Usually associated with inferior myocardial infarctions involving the right coronary artery. Presents with hypotension and elevated jugular venous pressure but clear lungs.

    • Congenital Defects: Tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary valve atresia, and double outlet right ventricle are conditions involving abnormal development or structure of the right ventricle.

    • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): A rare inherited disease involving fibrofatty replacement of RV myocardium, causing arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, especially in athletes.

    • Tricuspid Valve Disease: As the valve lies at the inlet of the right ventricle, its dysfunction (e.g., tricuspid regurgitation) directly affects RV workload and efficiency.

    • Imaging and Evaluation: Echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and right heart catheterization are key tools for assessing right ventricular size, function, and pressure dynamics.

    Proper function of the right ventricle is essential for balanced circulation between the pulmonary and systemic circuits. Its dysfunction often presents subtly but can rapidly lead to hemodynamic compromise and multi-organ effects if left untreated.

    Did you know? Each red blood cell can carry oxygen for about 120 days before being recycled by the spleen.