The primary function of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body. Here are some specific functions of the heart:
1. **Pumping Blood:** The heart is responsible for pumping blood through two main circuits:
– **Pulmonary Circuit:** The heart pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
– **Systemic Circuit:** The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells.
2. **Providing Oxygen and Nutrients:** The blood pumped by the heart carries essential oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs throughout the body.
3. **Transporting Metabolic Waste:** The heart helps transport metabolic waste products, like carbon dioxide, from body tissues to the organs that eliminate them, such as the lungs and kidneys.
