What happens to blood after contraction of the left ventricle?

After the contraction of the left ventricle, blood is pumped into the aorta. This event is crucial for systemic circulation, as the aorta is the largest artery in the body, responsible for distributing oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the left ventricle contracts, it generates high pressure, which forces the blood through the aortic valve and into the aorta.

The other options do not occur after the contraction of the left ventricle. For example, the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs, which is unrelated to the left ventricle's function. The right atrium receives blood returning from the body via veins, and the left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs, neither of which happens as a result of left ventricular contraction. The pumping action of the left ventricle is critical for ensuring that oxygenated blood reaches various tissues and organs, thus maintaining effective circulation and overall body function.