Ventricle

Pronunciation: /ven-TRIK-ul/

Category: Anatomy

Singular: Ventricle

Plural: Ventricles

Definition

A chamber within the heart that receives blood from the atrium and pumps it out to the body. In insects, a similar term may apply to the chamber in the heart that pumps hemolymph through the circulatory system.

Etymology

From Latin 'ventriculus', meaning 'belly' or 'stomach'.

Example

The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body.

Related Terms

Heart
Atrium

Usage Notes

In insects, the term 'ventricle' may be used to describe a chamber in the heart that receives hemolymph.