What is the primary function of the left ventricle of the heart?

The primary function of the left ventricle is to pump oxygenated blood into the body. This chamber is crucial in the circulatory system as it receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs via the left atrium and then contracts to send this blood through the aorta, distributing it to the entire body. The left ventricle has a thick muscular wall, enabling it to generate the high pressure necessary to propel blood through the extensive network of arteries that supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

In the context of the other options, sending deoxygenated blood to the lungs is primarily the role of the right ventricle. Receiving oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium is also a function of the right side of the heart. Regulating heartbeats is not a function of the left ventricle but rather involves the electrical conduction system of the heart, including structures like the sinoatrial node and the atrioventricular node. These distinctions clarify the importance of the left ventricle in maintaining systemic circulation and delivering oxygenated blood throughout the body.