Which of the following sequences correctly represents the flow of blood through the circulatory system?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To determine the correct flow of blood through the circulatory system, I will examine each option in turn and explain why it does or does not reflect the standard anatomical pathway.

Option a: Veins → Capillaries → Arteries
This sequence starts with veins, which carry blood back toward the heart, not away from the heart to organs. Blood normally travels from arteries (away from the heart) to capillaries (the sites of exchange) and then to veins (back toward the heart). Therefore this option reverses the actual order of blood flow and is incorrect.

Option b: Arteries → Capillaries → Veins
This option matches the textbook flow: arteries transport blood from the heart to the capillary beds, where exchanges with tissues occur, and then the blood moves into veins which return it to the heart. The progression Arteries → Capillaries → Veins correctly captures the sequence of delivery, exchange, and return. This is the correct understanding of systemic circulation.

Option c: Veins → Arteries → Capillaries
This order begins with veins and then jumps to arteries, skipping the essential intermediary step of capillary exchange and misplacing the tissues’ exchange sites. It also contradicts the unidirectional flow from heart to tissues and back. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option d: Capillaries → Veins → Arteries
This sequence places capillaries first, which is problematic because capillaries are the sites of exchange and receive blood from arteries. After passing through capillaries, blood should move into veins toward the heart, not directly to arteries. The order Capillaries → Veins → Arteries disrupts the natural flow and is therefore wrong.

In summary, the only option that preserves the correct anatomical order of blood flow from the heart through arteries to capillaries and finally to veins is option b: Arteries → Capillaries → Veins.

BIO 181 (001&002) FALL 2025 4B - Self-Check: Circulatory System: Cardiac Cycle (LO 4B.1, 4B.2, 4B.3)

Which of the following sequences correctly represents the flow of blood through the circulatory system?

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