What is the role of the heart in the circulatory system?

The heart serves as the central pump in the circulatory system, playing a crucial role in maintaining blood circulation throughout the body. Its primary function is to contract and relax in a coordinated manner, which propels blood into the arteries and ensures that oxygen-rich blood is delivered to various tissues and organs. This pumping action is essential for transporting nutrients and oxygen while also facilitating the removal of carbon dioxide and other metabolic wastes from cells.

By continuously circulating blood, the heart helps to maintain homeostasis, regulating body temperature, and supporting the immune system by transporting white blood cells where they are needed. In contrast, filtering blood and waste removal is primarily the function of the kidneys, while oxygen transportation to the lungs occurs via the respiratory system, and the production of red blood cells is conducted in the bone marrow, not the heart.