[Campbell Biology P.970] The 'Study Tip' suggests labeling where blood pressure, CO2 concent... | Practice Question

The 'Study Tip' suggests labeling where blood pressure, CO2 concentration, O2 concentration, and total cross-sectional area of blood vessels are highest. Considering a typical mammalian double circulation system as implied by the diagram and key concepts, where would you typically find the highest blood pressure?

  • A: In the pulmonary artery, just after leaving the right ventricle.
  • B: In the capillaries, due to their extensive network and role in exchange.
  • C: In the aorta and large arteries, immediately after blood leaves the left ventricle.
  • D: In the large veins returning blood to the heart.

Explanation

The heart acts as a pump, generating the highest pressure in the circulatory system. This pressure is greatest immediately after blood is ejected from the powerful left ventricle into the aorta, the body's largest artery. The 'Wide, thick-walled vessels' arteries are described as offering 'minimal resistance to fluid flow,' indicating they are designed to maintain this high pressure as blood is distributed throughout the body before reaching the capillaries where pressure drops significantly.