AEMCA Practice Exam

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Study for the AEMCA Exam. Prepare with engaging quizzes and flashcards that offer hints and insights. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to excel on your test!

Practice this question and more.

Which part of the heart receives oxygen-poor blood from the body's systemic circulation?

Left ventricle
Right atrium
Left atrium
Right ventricle

The correct answer is: Right atrium

The right atrium is the part of the heart that receives oxygen-poor blood from the body's systemic circulation. This blood, which returns to the heart after delivering oxygen to the tissues and organs, enters the right atrium through two major veins: the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. The superior vena cava drains blood from the upper body, while the inferior vena cava drains blood from the lower body. Once the right atrium is filled with deoxygenated blood, it contracts to pump this blood into the right ventricle, which then sends the blood to the lungs for oxygenation. This process is crucial for maintaining the oxygenation of blood and supporting the body’s metabolic needs. Understanding this flow of blood through the heart highlights the right atrium's central role in managing systemic circulation.