The heart, a tireless engine driving our circulatory system, comprises four chambers working in exquisite synchrony. While the left ventricle (LV) often takes center stage in cardiovascular discussions due to its role in systemic circulation, the right ventricle (RV) plays an equally crucial, albeit often underappreciated, role in pulmonary circulation. Understanding the intricate function of both ventricles, particularly their interplay, is essential for diagnosing and managing a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. This article delves into the function of the right ventricle (RV), contrasting it with the left ventricle (LV) where appropriate, exploring its anatomy, function, dysfunction, and its assessment through various imaging modalities. The provided text "OŒx£bf õ¯Þáap’uá5Õ&³ ˜‰Îû”vËÅE >‹¤â6 yOzY j5— .l Š5 He%;gF ¸›û CHÕ lI¢Î .," appears to be garbled and cannot be used in the article.
What is a RV?
The right ventricle (RV) is one of the four chambers of the heart. Unlike the left ventricle, which pumps oxygenated blood to the body, the RV pumps deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. This process is known as pulmonary circulation. The RV receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium through the tricuspid valve and pumps it into the pulmonary artery through the pulmonary valve. The RV's function is fundamentally different from the LV's, reflecting the distinct pressures and volumes involved in pulmonary versus systemic circulation. The pulmonary circulation is a low-pressure system, requiring significantly less pressure to propel blood through the lungs compared to the high-pressure systemic circulation managed by the LV. This difference in pressure requirements is reflected in the RV's structure and function.
Anatomy of the RV
The RV is a crescent-shaped chamber situated anterior and slightly inferior to the LV. It has a thinner wall than the LV, reflecting its role in a lower-pressure system. The RV's anatomy can be divided into several key components:
* Inflow Tract: This region receives blood from the right atrium via the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve, composed of three leaflets, prevents backflow of blood into the right atrium during RV contraction (systole).
* Outflow Tract (Infundibulum): This funnel-shaped region leads to the pulmonary valve. The pulmonary valve, also composed of three leaflets (semilunar valves), prevents backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the RV.
* RV Free Wall: This forms the majority of the RV's mass and is responsible for generating the force to pump blood into the pulmonary artery.
* RV Apex: This is the pointed lower end of the RV, contributing to its crescent shape.
* Trabeculae Carneae: These are the muscular ridges and columns found on the inner surface of the RV, providing structural support and contributing to efficient blood flow.
* Moderator Band (Septomarginal Trabecula): This prominent muscular band connects the interventricular septum to the anterior papillary muscle, playing a role in coordinating RV contraction.
RV Anatomy Diagram:
*(A detailed diagram would be included here. Due to the limitations of this text-based format, a description will suffice. The diagram would show the crescent shape of the RV, its relationship to the right atrium and the pulmonary artery, the tricuspid and pulmonary valves, the trabeculae carneae, and the moderator band.)* A comprehensive RV anatomy diagram can be easily found in medical textbooks or online resources dedicated to cardiac anatomy.
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