Which of the following is true about the heart's function in the circulatory system?

• A. The heart operates independently of the nervous system.
• B. The heart's right side pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
• C. The heart pumps oxygenated blood to the lungs and deoxygenated blood to the body.
• D. The heart's left side receives deoxygenated blood from the body.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic anatomy of the heart: The heart is divided into four chambers - two atria and two ventricles. The right side of the heart deals with deoxygenated blood, while the left side handles oxygenated blood.
2. Recognize the flow of blood through the heart: Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the right atrium, moves to the right ventricle, and is then pumped to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries for oxygenation.
3. Identify the role of the left side of the heart: Oxygenated blood from the lungs returns to the left atrium, moves into the left ventricle, and is then pumped out to the rest of the body through the aorta.
4. Clarify the relationship with the nervous system: While the heart has its own intrinsic conduction system (the sinoatrial node), it is influenced by the autonomic nervous system, which can modify heart rate and force of contraction.
5. Evaluate the statements: The correct statement is that the heart's right side pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, aligning with the known function of the heart in the circulatory system.