Question

All arteries in the body contain oxygen-rich blood with the exception of a. the aorta. b. the pulmonary artery. c. the renal artery. d. the coronary arteries.

Short answer

The pulmonary artery (b) is the exception, as it carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation, while other arteries mentioned carry oxygen-rich blood.

Step-by-step solution

Know the function of the Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart and supplies it to various parts of the body.

Understand the Pulmonary Artery's role

The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for the purpose of oxygenation.

Learn about the Renal Artery

The renal arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the kidneys. They branch from the abdominal aorta.

Clarify the function of Coronary Arteries

Coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium (heart muscle). They primarily branch from the aorta.

Determine which artery does not carry oxygen-rich blood

Based on our understanding of each artery's function, we find that the Pulmonary Artery (b) carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, making it the correct answer. All other arteries listed carry oxygenated blood.

Key concepts

Pulmonary Artery

The pulmonary artery is unique among the arteries in the human body. While most arteries carry oxygenated blood, the pulmonary artery is one of the few exceptions. Its primary function is to transport deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
In the heart, blood that is low in oxygen collects in the right atrium. From there, it moves into the right ventricle. The right ventricle then pumps this deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery.
Once in the lungs, the blood releases carbon dioxide and picks up oxygen during the process of respiration. This freshly oxygenated blood will return to the heart through the pulmonary veins, ready to be pumped to the rest of the body. The role of the pulmonary artery is crucial in ensuring that our blood is reoxygenated, making it a vital component of the cardiovascular system.

Oxygenated Blood

Oxygenated blood is rich in oxygen and has a bright red color due to the presence of oxygen-bound hemoglobin. This type of blood is essential for delivering oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body.
The process of oxygenation begins in the lungs, where blood from the pulmonary artery absorbs oxygen. This now oxygen-rich blood is transported back to the heart via the pulmonary veins.
The heart then pumps the oxygenated blood through the aorta and the systemic arteries, ensuring that every cell in the body has the oxygen it needs for metabolism. Proper oxygen delivery is critical for the production of energy and the overall function of the body. Key arteries, like the aorta and coronary arteries, play a significant role in distributing this vital resource.

Circulatory System

The circulatory system is a vast network that includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood. It serves the primary function of transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body.
Blood circulation is generally categorized into two loops: the systemic and the pulmonary circuits. The systemic circuit carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body, while the pulmonary circuit carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and back.

• The heart acts as a pump, maintaining the flow of blood through these circuits.
• Arteries, such as the aorta, carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
• Veins, like the pulmonary veins, return oxygenated blood to the heart from the lungs.

The circulatory system is essential in maintaining homeostasis, providing cells with necessary nutrients, and removing carbon dioxide and other metabolic wastes. Understanding this system is crucial for comprehending how oxygenated and deoxygenated blood is routed throughout the body.