What is the left ventricle?

The left ventricle is called the left ventricle. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as the lower left chamber of the heart.

What it is

  • The lower left chamber of the heart.
  • Has the thickest wall of any chamber.
  • Pumps oxygen-rich blood out through the aorta to the whole body.

Where it is

  • In the lower left part of the heart.
  • Receives blood from the left atrium through the mitral valve.
  • Empties into the aorta through the aortic valve.

Source:

Last verified: 2026-07-18

  • Best Anatomy Answers is an educational reference about human anatomy. It is not medical advice — for any health concern, talk to a licensed medical professional.

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