[Campbell Biology P.975] Following the path of oxygen-rich blood as described in "Mammalian ... | Practice Question

Following the path of oxygen-rich blood as described in "Mammalian Circulation" and illustrated in Figure 42.5, which sequence correctly describes its journey from the lungs to the systemic circuit?

  • A: Lung capillary beds (3) → Pulmonary veins (4) → Left atrium (4) → Left ventricle (5) → Aorta (6) → Capillary beds in head and arms (7)
  • B: Lung capillary beds (3) → Pulmonary arteries (2) → Left atrium (4) → Right ventricle (1) → Aorta (6)
  • C: Inferior vena cava (10) → Right atrium (11) → Right ventricle (1) → Pulmonary arteries (2) → Lung capillary beds (3)
  • D: Capillaries of abdominal organs (8) → Superior vena cava (9) → Right atrium (11) → Left ventricle (5) → Aorta (6)

Explanation

Oxygen-rich blood from the lungs first enters the pulmonary veins 4 , then flows into the left atrium 4 . From there, it moves into the left ventricle 5 , which pumps it into the aorta 6 . The aorta distributes this blood to capillary beds throughout the systemic circuit, such as those in the head and arms 7 , and abdominal organs and hind limbs 8 .