Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What are the upper chambers of the heart called?

1. Ventricles

2. Atria

3. Valves

4. Septum

The correct answer is: Atria

The upper chambers of the heart are called atria. Each atrium serves as a conduit for blood returning to the heart; specifically, the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, while the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs. The role of the atria is crucial in regulating the flow of blood into the lower chambers, known as the ventricles, which then pump blood out of the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body. In contrast to the atria, the ventricles are the lower chambers responsible for pumping blood away from the heart. Valves are structures that ensure one-way blood flow through the heart and prevent backflow but are not chambers themselves. The septum is the wall that divides the left and right sides of the heart, ensuring that oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood do not mix. Understanding the function and anatomical placement of these components is essential for grasping how the cardiovascular system operates effectively.