The Function of an Atrium is To

Question

The function of an atrium is to
A) store blood for use by the myocardial cells.
B) pump blood to the lungs.
C) pump blood into the systemic circuit.
D) pump blood to the ventricle.
E) collect blood then pump it to the ventricle.

Accepted Answer

The function of an atrium is to collect blood from either the venae cavae (right atrium) or the pulmonary veins (left atrium) and then pump it into the corresponding ventricle. The atrium does not store blood, pump blood directly to the lungs or systemic circuit, or pump blood to the other atrium.