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

Which vessel carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart?

1. Pulmonary artery

2. Coronary artery

3. Vein

4. Aorta

The correct answer is: Pulmonary artery

The pulmonary artery is the vessel responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood away from the heart. Specifically, it transports blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. In the lungs, carbon dioxide is released from the blood, and oxygen is absorbed. This is a critical function in the circulatory system, as it facilitates the exchange of gases necessary for respiration. In contrast, the coronary artery supplies oxygenated blood to the heart muscle itself, ensuring that the heart has the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function effectively. A vein, on the other hand, carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart, while the aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body. Overall, the pulmonary artery's specific role in transporting deoxygenated blood to the lungs distinguishes it from the other vessels mentioned.