What is the role of the right atrium in the heart?

The right atrium plays a crucial role in the circulatory system by receiving deoxygenated blood from the body. This blood, which is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide, returns to the heart through two major veins: the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. Once the right atrium collects this deoxygenated blood, it contracts to push the blood into the right ventricle, which then pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation.

Understanding the function of the right atrium is essential for grasping the overall process of blood circulation. This part of the heart acts as a receiving chamber that prepares the blood for the next phase of its journey, ensuring that the body efficiently manages oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal.