What is the role of the heart in the circulatory system?

The heart's primary function in the circulatory system is to pump blood throughout the body. This is crucial for maintaining proper circulation, as the heart provides the force necessary to move blood through the network of arteries and veins. Blood circulation is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the cells and tissues and for transporting waste products away from them.

The heart has two main parts—the right side, which collects deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation, and the left side, which receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the rest of the body. This pumping action is what enables the circulatory system to function effectively, ensuring that all parts of the body receive the blood necessary for survival and proper functioning.