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atrium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

An atrium is a large chamber in the heart that receives blood from the veins. It is also called the "auricle." The atrium is responsible for pumping blood into the ventricles, which are the two lower chambers of the heart.

The atrium is a thin-walled chamber, and it is located at the top of the heart. It is divided into two chambers, the left atrium and the right atrium. The left atrium receives blood from the lungs, and the right atrium receives blood from the rest of the body.

The atrium has four flaps, called valves, that help to keep blood flowing in the correct direction. The valves open when blood is pumped into the atrium, and they close when the ventricles contract. This prevents blood from flowing back into the veins.

The atrium is an important part of the heart, and it helps to ensure that blood is pumped efficiently throughout the body.

How can the word be used?

The atria are the two upper chambers of the heart.

atrium

Different forms of the word

Noun: atrium (plural: atria).

Adjective: atrial.

Adverb: atrially.

Verb: atriate (to make something atria).

Gerund: atrialising.

Participle: atrialised.

Etymology

The word "atrium" comes from the Latin word ātrium, which means "central court or first main room of a house, room which contains the hearth." The Latin word ātrium is derived from the Proto-Italic atro-, sometimes said (on authority of Varro, "De Lingua Latina") to be Etruscan.

Question

Where are the atria located?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Define the term "atrium" in the context of the circulatory system. Explain the role of the atrium in the heart's pumping mechanism and its significance in maintaining blood flow.

Answer:

In the context of the circulatory system, an "atrium" refers to one of the two upper chambers of the heart, known as the left atrium and the right atrium. The atria are responsible for receiving blood returning to the heart from various parts of the body. When the heart contracts, the atria fill with blood, and then they contract to push the blood into the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. This synchronized pumping mechanism ensures efficient blood flow and facilitates the delivery of oxygenated blood to the body's tissues and organs while allowing deoxygenated blood to be sent to the lungs for oxygenation.