Which circulation carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body and returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium?

• A. Renal circulation
• B. Systemic circulation
• C. Cerebral circulation
• D. Pulmonary circulation

Answer: (B)

Systemic circulation is the pathway that sends oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body and returns oxygen-poor blood to the right atrium. After the left ventricle contracts, blood is ejected into the aorta and travels through systemic arteries to tissues throughout the body. In the capillaries, oxygen is delivered to cells and carbon dioxide is picked up. The now deoxygenated blood returns through systemic veins to the right atrium via the superior and inferior vena cavae (and the coronary sinus). This is different from pulmonary circulation, which moves blood between the heart and lungs for gas exchange.