AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a function of blood?

1. Transporting oxygen

2. Distributing body heat

3. Breaking down carbohydrates

4. Assisting immune system response

The correct answer is: Breaking down carbohydrates

Blood has several key functions that are crucial for maintaining homeostasis and supporting the body's overall health. Among these, transporting oxygen is a primary role, as red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Blood also plays a significant role in distributing body heat, helping to regulate body temperature by absorbing and dissipating heat as needed. Additionally, it assists the immune system by transporting white blood cells and other immune components to sites of infection or injury, facilitating an effective response to pathogens. The function that is not associated with blood is the breaking down of carbohydrates. This process primarily occurs in the digestive system, where enzymes break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Thus, while blood is important in carrying nutrients, including glucose after digestion, it does not participate directly in the biochemical reactions that cleave carbohydrates.