Overview
The heart contains four chambers that coordinate blood flow through the pulmonary and systemic circuits. Atria receive venous return and ventricles generate pressure to eject blood into arteries. Chamber size wall thickness and function reflect physiologic and pathologic states.
Right Heart
The right atrium and ventricle handle systemic venous return and pump blood to the lungs. Right heart function depends on pulmonary vascular resistance and tricuspid valve competence. Right sided failure affects systemic venous pressures and organ congestion.
Left Heart
The left atrium receives oxygenated pulmonary venous blood and the left ventricle ejects blood into the aorta. Left ventricular function determines systemic perfusion and cardiac output. Imaging quantifies chamber volumes wall motion and ejection fraction.
Clinical Relevance
Chamber enlargement dysfunction and valvular disease are assessed by echocardiography CT and MRI. Heart failure cardiomyopathy and congenital anomalies affect chamber morphology and function. Targeted therapies address underlying causes and improve outcomes.