The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system. It is located in the chest, slightly to the left of the midline, and is protected by the rib cage.
The heart is divided into four chambers: the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle. The atria receive blood from the body and lungs, while the ventricles pump blood out to the body and lungs.
The heart is also made up of specialized cardiac muscle cells, valves, and a conduction system that coordinates the heart's rhythmic contractions.
The main function of the heart is to pump oxygenated blood to the body's tissues and organs and to pump deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
The heart works in conjunction with blood vessels, such as arteries, veins, and capillaries, to form the cardiovascular system. This system transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.