What is the function of pulmonary circulation?

Study for the Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT). Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam!

The correct answer highlights the primary role of pulmonary circulation, which is to facilitate the exchange of gases in the lungs. Specifically, pulmonary circulation involves the movement of deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, where it is oxygenated.

In this process, blood is pumped from the right ventricle through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs. In the lungs, carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood, and oxygen is absorbed. Once oxygenated, the blood returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins, where it can then be pumped out to the rest of the body through systemic circulation.

This option accurately describes the core process of pulmonary circulation, which is essential for maintaining oxygen levels in the blood and eliminating carbon dioxide. Understanding this function is key to grasping how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems work together to support overall physiological function.

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