Why does the thickness of the heart's chamber walls vary?

A chamber wall's thickness is directly linked to its function. Each of the 4 chambers has a different function and so, they each have different wall thickness.

The more work a chamber has to do, the thicker the wall.

This explains why the left ventricle of the heart has a thicker wall than the right ventricle - this is because the left ventricle pumps blood all around the body at high pressure whereas the right ventricle only needs to pump the blood to the lungs, which are nearby.

TE
Answered by Tasnim E. Biology tutor

50579 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What factors affect the rate of conduction of an action potential (AP) down a neurone?


Describe what can be used to determine the time of death of a corpse


How does glycolysis produce ATP?


give two features of DNA that is important for DNA replication


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning