Linkerhartkamer

Linkerhartkamer, commonly known in English as the left ventricle, is the main pumping chamber of the heart responsible for propelling oxygenated blood into the systemic circulation via the aorta. Blood flows from the left atrium through the mitral valve into the left ventricle during diastole; during systole, the left ventricle contracts, increasing pressure to open the aortic valve and eject blood into the aorta.

Anatomically, the left ventricle has a thick muscular wall, forming the apex of the heart. Its interior contains trabeculae carneae and two papillary muscles that support the mitral valve via chordae tendineae.

Normal function is described by the ejection fraction, the percentage of blood ejected with each beat, typically about 55-70%. Wall thickness is generally around 8-12 mm in adults; the ventricle may enlarge or thicken in response to disease.

Clinically, the left ventricle is central to many conditions: chronic pressure overload from hypertension or aortic valve stenosis can cause left ventricular hypertrophy; ischemic heart disease or cardiomyopathy can lead to dilation and systolic dysfunction, reducing ejection fraction and contributing to heart failure. Management may involve medical therapy, devices, or procedures to relieve pressure or replace valves.

The term linkerhartkamer is Dutch for left ventricle. It plays a key role in both the cardiac cycle and systemic perfusion.