Final answer:
The right atrium receives systemic venous return and acts as a collection chamber, pumping deoxygenated blood to the right ventricle. The right atrial or central venous pressure (CVP) is a clinical parameter used to evaluate cardiac function and filling pressure of the heart. Elevated or decreased CVP may indicate certain medical conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The right atrium is a chamber of the heart that receives all of the systemic venous return. Most of the blood flows into either the superior vena cava or inferior vena cava. The right atrium acts as a collection chamber, receiving deoxygenated blood from the body and pumping it to the right ventricle.
The right atrial (RA) or central venous pressure (CVP) is the pressure exerted by the blood in the right atrium. It is an important clinical parameter used to evaluate the filling pressure of the heart and assess cardiac function. It is often measured using a central venous catheter inserted into the right atrium.
Normal CVP values range from 2 to 8 mmHg. An elevated CVP may indicate conditions such as heart failure, fluid overload, or obstruction of blood flow into the heart. On the other hand, a low CVP may suggest dehydration or hypovolemia.