What is the function of the heart in the circulatory system?

The function of the heart in the circulatory system is primarily to pump blood throughout the body. This is essential for maintaining circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues, and facilitating the removal of carbon dioxide and metabolic waste. The heart achieves this through a coordinated series of contractions and relaxations, which create the pressure needed to propel blood through a network of arteries, veins, and capillaries.

In addition to its role in pumping blood, the heart also supports the overall functioning of the circulatory system by working in tandem with the lungs, where blood is oxygenated. This process is vital for sustaining life, as every cell in the body relies on a continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood.

While other functions such as filtering toxins, producing hormones, and storing nutrients are involved in the overall physiology of the body, they are not primary functions of the heart itself. Hence, the correct answer emphasizes the heart's crucial role as the pump of the circulatory system.