"Artery" and "vein" are defined by whether they leave or enter the heart.If they were defined by whether they carried oxygenated or deoxygenated blood,we would have to change the name(s)of
A)the hepatic portal vein to a hepatic portal artery.
B)the hepatic and renal systems (they would have to be switched).
C)the pulmonary artery and vein (they would have to be switched).
D)the coronary artery and vein (they would have to be switched).
E)the aorta and vena cava.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs to become oxygenated, while the pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart. If we defined arteries and veins based on whether they carried oxygenated or deoxygenated blood, we would have to switch the names of the pulmonary artery and vein.

"Artery" and "Vein" Are Defined by Whether They Leave or Enter