OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Study for the OCR GCSE Biology Exam. Use multiple choice questions and quiz flashcards with explanations and hints. Excel in your exams!

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What is the function of the aorta in the circulatory system?

To carry deoxygenated blood
To distribute oxygenated blood to the body
To return blood to the heart
To filter impurities from the blood

The correct answer is: To distribute oxygenated blood to the body

The aorta plays a vital role in the circulatory system by distributing oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. After the blood is oxygenated in the lungs, it is pumped by the left ventricle into the aorta. The aorta then branches into smaller arteries, ensuring that all body tissues receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function effectively. This distribution is crucial for maintaining the body's overall health and facilitating cellular respiration in various tissues. In terms of the other options: carrying deoxygenated blood refers to the function of the veins, especially the vena cavae that return blood to the heart. Returning blood to the heart is another important job of the veins, and filtering impurities typically involves the kidneys, which remove waste products from the blood rather than the aorta.