Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

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Study for the Biological Systems MCAT Exam. Ace your test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, including hints and explanations. Be prepared for your exam!

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What is the primary purpose of the pulmonary circulation's capillaries?

Deliver deoxygenated blood to the heart
Facilitate gas exchange in the lungs
Regulate blood pressure within the lungs
Store oxygen for future use

The correct answer is: Facilitate gas exchange in the lungs

The primary purpose of the capillaries in the pulmonary circulation is to facilitate gas exchange in the lungs. This is where the deoxygenated blood coming from the right side of the heart enters the pulmonary capillaries, allowing for the transfer of gases. In these capillaries, carbon dioxide from the blood is exchanged for oxygen in the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where this exchange occurs. This process is essential for respiration since oxygen is necessary for cellular metabolism, and the removal of carbon dioxide is crucial to maintaining the body’s acid-base balance. The structural characteristics of the pulmonary capillaries, such as their thin walls and large surface area, are well adapted to maximize the efficiency of this gas exchange process. This adaptation is crucial for ensuring that oxygen is delivered to the rest of the body via the bloodstream while removing carbon dioxide efficiently.