Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What does the pulmonary vein supply the heart with?

1. Deoxygenated blood from the body

2. Oxygenated blood from the lungs

3. Nutrient-rich blood from the digestive system

4. Carbon dioxide-rich blood from the tissues

The correct answer is: Oxygenated blood from the lungs

The pulmonary vein plays a crucial role in the circulatory system by transporting oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. After blood is oxygenated in the lungs through the process of respiration, it needs to return to the heart for distribution to the rest of the body. The pulmonary vein is uniquely responsible for this function, as it is one of the few veins in the body that carries oxygen-rich blood. In contrast, other options describe functions of different vascular structures. Deoxygenated blood from the body is supplied to the heart through the superior and inferior vena cavae. Nutrient-rich blood from the digestive system is transported by the hepatic portal vein, which connects the digestive organs to the liver. Carbon dioxide-rich blood from the tissues returns to the heart via the systemic circulation and enters through the vena cavae, preparing to be sent to the lungs for reoxygenation. Thus, the pulmonary vein's specific function of carrying oxygenated blood from the lungs makes the correct choice clear.