Ventricle — ECG/EKG Terminology

Definition: One of two lower chambers of the heart. The ventricles pump blood out of the heart to the lungs (right) and body (left).

Key Facts

• Right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs for oxygen
• Left ventricle pumps blood to the entire body
• Left ventricle has much thicker walls because it works harder
• Ventricular contraction generates the heart's main pumping force

ECG Connection: Ventricular depolarization creates the QRS complex—the largest waveform on the ECG.

Why It Matters: The QRS tells you if the ventricles are depolarizing normally—the heart's main pump.