The primary role of the mammalian heart is to pump blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and waste products. The heart operates through a coordinated system of electrical impulses that trigger contractions of the myocardium. It contains four chambers: two atria and two ventricles, working in conjunction to facilitate systematic and pulmonary circulation. Maintaining an effective pumping action is crucial for homeostasis, as it ensures adequate blood pressure and perfusion to organs.