Final answer:
The right side of the heart contains deoxygenated blood and sends it to the lungs, while the left side holds oxygenated blood and pumps it throughout the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The right side of the heart contains deoxygenated blood, which is blood lacking oxygen. It is this side that sends the deoxygenated blood to the lungs through the pulmonary circuit. Here, the blood releases carbon dioxide and picks up oxygen. On the left side of the heart, the scenario is quite different; this chamber holds oxygenated blood which has returned from the lungs and is rich in oxygen. The left side is responsible for pumping this oxygen-rich blood throughout the body in the systemic circuit, delivering essential oxygen to the body's cells.
Our hearts operate using a method known as double circulation, which essentially means there are two loops through which blood travels: one for oxygenating the blood via the lungs, and another for delivering the oxygen to the tissues of the body. This efficient separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood allows for a more effective distribution of oxygen, aiding our body's capacity to quickly respond when required.