What role do the left and right ventricles serve in the heart?

The left and right ventricles play a crucial role in the circulation of blood within the heart. Specifically, they are responsible for pumping blood into the arteries. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries for oxygenation. Meanwhile, the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body through the aorta. This pumping action is essential for maintaining the circulation and ensuring that all body tissues receive the oxygen and nutrients they need for proper function.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the primary function of the ventricles. The atria, not the ventricles, receive blood from the body (right atrium) and lungs (left atrium). Ventricles do not store blood; instead, their primary function is to contract and propel blood forward. Additionally, while the heart rate is influenced by the electrical conduction system of the heart, specifically the sinoatrial node, this is not a function served by the ventricles themselves.