Question

part b - lo 2: describe the anatomy and physiology of the heart and circulatory system and the importance of healthy heart function
the cardiovascular system consists of the heart, arteries, arterioles, veins, venules, and capillaries. this network of organs and vessels uses blood to carry oxygen, nutrients, hormones, enzymes, and waste products (e.g., carbon dioxide) to and from all parts of the body.
which of the following vessels in the cardiovascular system exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide directly with body cells?

• arteries
• capillaries
• veins
• venules
• arterioles

Explanation:

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, carbon - dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and body cells occurs directly. Arteries carry oxygen - rich blood away from the heart, veins carry oxygen - poor blood back to the heart, arterioles are small arteries, and venules are small veins. None of these other vessels perform the direct gas - exchange function like capillaries.

Answer:

B. capillaries