What separates the two sides of the heart?

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The septum is a critical structure within the heart that functions as a wall separating the two sides: the right side and the left side. Its primary role is to ensure that oxygen-poor blood on the right does not mix with oxygen-rich blood on the left. This separation is vital for maintaining proper oxygenation of the blood as it circulates through the body.

The septum consists of two parts: the interatrial septum, which separates the right and left atria, and the interventricular septum, which divides the right and left ventricles. This anatomical arrangement supports the precise functioning of the heart, allowing for efficient blood flow and ensuring that each side can operate optimally according to its specific function in the circulatory process.

In contrast, the atria are the upper chambers of the heart that receive blood, while the ventricles are the lower chambers that pump blood out. Valves serve the function of ensuring unidirectional blood flow within the heart but do not play a role in separating the heart's two sides. Thus, the septum is indeed the correct answer as it is the structure specifically responsible for this important separation.

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