[Campbell Biology P.975] Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of the mammal... | Practice Question

Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of the mammalian cardiovascular system as presented in the text?

  • A: The total volume of blood in the systemic circuit is much greater than that in the pulmonary circuit.
  • B: The two ventricles contract serially, first the right, then the left.
  • C: Atria have thick, muscular walls to pump blood efficiently into the systemic circuit.
  • D: Oxygen-poor blood from the head and forelimbs enters the right ventricle directly.

Explanation

The Figure 42.5 caption explicitly states that the total volume of blood in the systemic circuit is much greater than that in the pulmonary circuit. This reflects the extensive network of vessels required to supply blood to the entire body compared to only the lungs. Other options contain inaccuracies regarding heart chamber function or blood flow pathways.