How many atrial chambers in heart

The four chambers of the heart are attached to major veins or arteries that either bring blood into or carry blood away from the heart.

The atria are the receiving stations of the heart. The right atrium receives its supply of oxygen-poor blood from the two largest veins in the body, the superior and inferior vena cava.

The left atrium receives blood that has been oxygenated in the lungs from the pulmonary veins. Both atria then pump their supply of blood into the ventricles. The ventricles are the shipping stations of the heart.

The right ventricle pumps oxygen-poor blood into the lungs through the pulmonary artery while the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body through the aorta, the largest artery in the body.

The myocardium is the middle layer of the heart. It is the heart muscle and is the thickest layer of the heart. The pericardium is a thin sac the heart sits in, often filled with a small amount of fluid, which separates the heart from the other structures in the chest such as the lungs.

Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.

Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. A typical heart has two upper and two lower chambers. The upper chambers, the right and left atria, receive incoming blood. The lower chambers, the more muscular right and left ventricles, pump blood out of the heart.

The heart valves, which keep blood flowing in the right direction, are gates at the chamber openings. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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