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

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What type of blood is carried by the vena cava?

Oxygenated blood
Deoxygenated blood
Mixed blood
Nutrient-rich blood

The correct answer is: Deoxygenated blood

The vena cava carries deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart. This large vein is divided into two main parts: the superior vena cava, which collects blood from the upper part of the body, and the inferior vena cava, which collects blood from the lower part. As the blood returns via the vena cava, it is low in oxygen because it has already delivered oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body. Once this deoxygenated blood reaches the heart, it is then pumped to the lungs for oxygenation before being circulated back to the rest of the body. Understanding this flow is crucial as it highlights the systemic and pulmonary circulation processes involved in the body’s overall function. The other options do not accurately represent the type of blood contained in the vena cava, as it specifically does not carry oxygenated, mixed, or nutrient-rich blood.