A Level Biology Practice Exam

What is the primary function of the aorta in mammals?

1. To transport oxygen-depleted blood

2. To carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body

3. To regulate blood pressure

4. To filter blood

The correct answer is: To carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body

The primary function of the aorta in mammals is to carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. The aorta is the largest artery and is crucial in the systemic circulation, distributing blood that has been oxygenated in the lungs throughout the tissues and organs. This process is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients necessary for cellular metabolism and overall bodily function. The flow of oxygenated blood from the aorta enables the body’s organs to perform their functions efficiently, supporting everything from muscular movement to neural activity. The aorta originates from the left ventricle of the heart, where oxygen-rich blood is pumped out, and it branches into smaller arteries that lead to different regions of the body. In contrast, the other options refer to different functions or aspects of the circulatory system. For instance, the transportation of oxygen-depleted blood is the role of veins, which return blood to the heart. The regulation of blood pressure is a function influenced by various factors, including peripheral resistance and the autonomic nervous system, but is not the primary role of the aorta itself. Filtering blood is primarily performed by organs like the kidneys, not the aorta. Thus, the aorta's main role stands out as the transportation of oxygenated blood from