The pathway of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart is the Group of answer choices A. cardiac circulation. B. systemic circulation. C. pulmonary circulation. D. pleural circulation.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. pulmonary circulation.
Explanation:
Pulmonary circulation refers to the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart. This process is crucial for oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide. The pathway begins when deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium of the heart from the body. It then moves to the right ventricle, from where it is pumped through the pulmonary artery to the lungs. In the lungs, the blood passes through tiny capillaries around the alveoli, where it exchanges gases. Oxygen from the air in the alveoli diffuses into the blood, while carbon dioxide in the blood diffuses out into the alveoli to be exhaled.
After the blood is oxygenated in the lungs, it returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins, entering the left atrium. From the left atrium, the oxygen-rich blood flows into the left ventricle, which pumps it through the aorta into systemic circulation, supplying oxygen to the entire body.
Pulmonary circulation is distinct from systemic circulation, which involves the movement of blood from the heart to the body and back. Pulmonary circulation specifically refers to the lungs and is vital for gas exchange to maintain oxygen levels in the blood. In contrast, systemic circulation handles nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues and the removal of waste products. Pulmonary circulation is also important for regulating blood pressure within the lungs and preventing fluid accumulation in the alveoli, ensuring that the lungs function effectively for respiration.