The investigation of cardiac function is among the most dynamic and varied fields of modern medicine. The cardiac ventricles may be considered as simple pumps that fill with blood during diastole and eject blood during systole. Closer inspection reveals complex relationships that are necessary for successful ventricular function. Many research and clinical techniques have been established to evaluate normal and abnormal ventricular function. This article reviews normal and abnormal ventricular function and describes the use of various imaging modalities for clinical evaluation of cardiac function.