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Anatomy & Physiology vocabulary · Heart, Circulation and Breathing

Ventricle

Meaning in anatomy & physiology, with examples

/ˈventrɪkəl/nounCommon term

In anatomy & physiology, ventricle means: One of the two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out: the right ventricle sends blood to the lungs and the left ventricle sends it to the rest of the body.

In Turkish: ventrikül, karıncık

How it is used

The left ventricle has the thickest wall because it pumps against the highest pressure. The same word is used for the four fluid-filled spaces in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid. The adjective is ventricular.

Example sentences

  1. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta.

  2. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced mainly in the ventricles of the brain.

Common collocations

  • left ventricle
  • right ventricle
  • ventricular wall
  • ventricles of the brain
  • atriumOne of the two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood: the right atrium from the veins of the body and the left atrium from the lungs. Each passes blood down to its ventricle.
  • heartThe muscular organ in the chest that pumps blood around the body. It has four chambers: two atria that receive blood and two ventricles that pump it out.
  • cardiac cycleThe sequence of events in one heartbeat: contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) of the atria and ventricles, with the heart valves opening and closing in turn.
  • contractionThe shortening or tightening of a muscle when its fibers are stimulated, producing movement or force. In the heart, contraction pushes blood out of the chambers.

More terms: Heart, Circulation and Breathing

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.