The right ventricle: significant anatomy, physiology, and interventricular considerations

The crucial role of the right ventricle for optimal global cardiac function has only recently become appreciated. Once thought of as dispensable, the right ventricle now is viewed as an integral component of biventricular function. Key anatomical and physiological differences between the ventricles affect the right heart's response to alterations in the determinants of cardiac output. Disruption of the strong interrelationship between the two ventricles can lead to the pathophysiologic sequelae of biventricular failure.