left atrium (LA)

Function

• receives oxygenated blood from pulmonary veins
• pumps blood into the left ventricle during diastole through the mitral valve

Structure

normal diameter is < 40 mm

Pathology

• left atrial enlargement is associated with atrial fibrillation

More general terms

• heart structure

Additional terms

• left atrial appendage; left atrial auricle (LAA)
• left atrial enlargement (LAE)
• left atrial pressure

Component of

• heart