Which organ is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body?

The heart is the organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It functions as a muscular pump that creates the force needed to circulate blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues while also removing carbon dioxide and waste products. The heart operates through a unique structure that includes chambers (atria and ventricles) and valves, allowing it to maintain a steady flow of blood in one direction.

While the liver plays vital roles in metabolism and detoxification, it does not pump blood. The brain is the control center for the body, managing bodily functions and processing information, but it relies on the heart to supply it with oxygenated blood. The lungs are involved in the exchange of gases, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide, but they do not have a role in pumping blood; their function is complementary to that of the heart. Thus, the heart is central to the circulatory system and critical for sustaining life by ensuring proper blood circulation.