What section of the heart is involved in pulmonary circulation?

In pulmonary circulation, the section of the heart that plays a crucial role is the right ventricle. This chamber receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and pumps it through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs for oxygenation. In the lungs, carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen, and the now oxygen-rich blood returns to the left atrium of the heart.

The right atrium collects deoxygenated blood from the body, which then passes to the right ventricle, making the right ventricle the primary driver of blood flow into the lungs during pulmonary circulation. This distinct path is vital for the process of gas exchange, which is fundamental to maintaining oxygen levels in the body.

The left atrium and left ventricle are involved in systemic circulation, distributing oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Thus, they do not participate in pulmonary circulation, which is specifically focused on moving blood to and from the lungs.