The heart functions as what type of pump?

The heart functions as a dual action pump because it has two primary pumping actions that work in concert to circulate blood throughout the body. These actions are associated with the two sides of the heart. The right side of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation, while the left side of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the rest of the body.

This dual action is fundamental to the heart's role in the circulatory system, as it separates the systemic circulation (body) from the pulmonary circulation (lungs), ensuring efficient oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal. Each side of the heart functions simultaneously to maintain continuous blood flow, which is why it is often described as a dual action pump. This distinction is crucial for understanding how various cardiovascular conditions can affect either side of the heart and the overall circulation.