What is the primary role of the left ventricle in comparison to the right ventricle?

The primary role of the left ventricle is to supply oxygenated blood to the entire body. This ventricle receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins and then contracts to pump this blood through the aorta, distributing it to all body tissues and organs. The left ventricle has a thicker muscular wall compared to the right ventricle because it must generate higher pressure to overcome the systemic vascular resistance, allowing blood to flow throughout the body effectively.

In contrast, the right ventricle's main function is to pump deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. This process requires less muscular force and pressure than that needed by the left ventricle. The other options do not accurately reflect the unique functions of the left ventricle—acting solely as a reservoir or maintaining pressure balance are functions associated with different roles within the heart and circulatory system.