What separates the four chambers of the heart into two sides?

The septum is the muscular wall that divides the heart into the left and right sides, effectively separating the four chambers into two distinct halves: the left atrium and left ventricle, and the right atrium and right ventricle. This division is crucial for the proper functioning of the heart, as it allows the separation of oxygen-rich blood from oxygen-poor blood, ensuring efficient circulation throughout the body.

The septum also helps maintain the pressure differences that are necessary for the heart to pump blood effectively. Each side of the heart serves a specific function; the right side receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs, while the left side receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the rest of the body. Therefore, the septum is an essential anatomical feature that plays a pivotal role in the heart’s structure and function.