What is the role of the ventricles in the cardiovascular system?

The ventricles play a crucial role in the cardiovascular system primarily by pumping blood out into the lungs and the rest of the body. Each ventricle has a specific function: the right ventricle receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation, while the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood received from the lungs to the rest of the body. This action is essential for maintaining circulation and ensuring that tissues receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly.

The other functions mentioned in the other choices do not accurately describe the role of the ventricles. For instance, collecting blood from the body is primarily the responsibility of the atria, which receive blood before it is sent to the ventricles. Similarly, synchronizing heart rhythms is managed by the heart's conduction system, including the sinoatrial node and the atrioventricular node, rather than the ventricles themselves. Lastly, the reception of oxygenated blood from the lungs is carried out by the left atrium, not the ventricles. Thus, the primary and defining function of the ventricles is their role in pumping blood out to the lungs and the body.