Why does the left ventricle have a thicker muscular wall than the right ventricle?
AIt must pump blood at higher pressure to reach the entire body
BIt receives more deoxygenated blood from the body
CIt contains valves that the right ventricle lacks
DIt is in direct contact with the lungs
Explanation
The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood through the *systemic circuit* — every tissue in the body — which requires high pressure. The right ventricle only needs to push blood a short distance to the lungs (pulmonary circuit), so its wall is thinner. Distractors: the left ventricle pumps *oxygenated* blood, not deoxygenated. Both ventricles have valves (AV and semilunar). The right ventricle, not the left, is closer to the lungs.