# Explain why the left ventricle has a thicker muscular wall than the right ventricle.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 1.4.2 The heart · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The left ventricle pumps blood to the body / around the whole body (systemic circulation)
2. The right ventricle only pumps blood to the lungs (pulmonary circulation)
3. The left ventricle must generate greater / higher pressure (than the right ventricle)
4. A thicker muscular wall allows the left ventricle to contract more forcefully / with more power

## Key terms

- [ventricle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ventricle)
- [muscular wall](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/muscular-wall)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-left-ventricle-has-15643cd7) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.