How is it possible to have two separate circulatory systems (pulmonary and systemic)?
A) The pulmonary arteries and veins reverse their function at the heart so that the pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood and the pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood.
B) The heart is really two separate pumps; circulation to the lungs needs one pump, whereas circulation to the body needs a separate pump.
C) The two systems are separate to prevent mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, which would cause the oxygen level to drop too low.
D) The two systems are not truly separate; circulation of a specific sample of blood to the lungs occurs only after it has traveled through the body. It is one continuous system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The heart is divided into two sides, with the right side of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary circulation and the left side of the heart pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body via the systemic circulation. This creates two separate circulatory systems, each with its own specific function.

How Is It Possible to Have Two Separate Circulatory Systems