Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) Practice Test

The left side of the heart is best classified by the aorta, which is a major vessel responsible for systemic circulation. This side of the heart is where oxygenated blood is pumped out to the entire body. The left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins, and the left ventricle pumps it into the aorta. This classification is important because systemic circulation is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the body, while the right side of the heart is primarily involved in pulmonary circulation, which processes deoxygenated blood from the body for oxygenation in the lungs. Understanding the functions associated with the aorta, including its role in systemic circulation, helps clarify the relationship between the heart and the circulatory system as a whole.