Question

multiple select question
select all that apply
choose all the ways in which the pulmonary circuit differs from the systemic circuit.

• pulmonary arteries have thinner, less elastic walls.
• pulmonary arteries constrict in response to local hypoxia.
• pulmonary arteries carry oxygen - poor blood and veins carry oxygen - rich blood.
• less fluid gets \left behind\ in the lungs.
• blood pressure is higher in the pulmonary circuit.

Explanation:

1. Pulmonary arteries have thinner, less elastic walls: Pulmonary arteries have thinner walls than systemic arteries as the pulmonary circuit has lower pressure, so this is a difference.
2. Pulmonary arteries constrict in response to local hypoxia: In the pulmonary circuit, arteries constrict with local hypoxia (to redirect blood from poorly oxygenated areas), unlike systemic arteries which dilate in hypoxia in most cases, so this is a difference.
3. Pulmonary arteries carry oxygen - poor blood and veins carry oxygen - rich blood: In the systemic circuit, arteries carry oxygen - rich blood and veins carry oxygen - poor blood; the pulmonary circuit is the opposite, so this is a difference.
4. Less fluid gets "left behind" in the lungs: The lower pressure in the pulmonary circuit means less fluid filtration out of capillaries, so less fluid is left behind compared to systemic capillaries, this is a difference.
5. Blood pressure is higher in the pulmonary circuit: Blood pressure in the pulmonary circuit is lower than in the systemic circuit, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

• Pulmonary arteries have thinner, less elastic walls.
• Pulmonary arteries constrict in response to local hypoxia.
• Pulmonary arteries carry oxygen - poor blood and veins carry oxygen - rich blood.
• Less fluid gets "left behind" in the lungs.