Respiratory and Circulatory Systems Quick Check

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Question
A patient has low blood oxygen levels, although the patient's blood is circulating properly. Which is most likely functioning improperly?(1 point)
Responses

the pulmonary vein
the pulmonary vein

the alveoli
the alveoli

the capillaries
the capillaries

the aorta

1 answer

In the scenario where a patient has low blood oxygen levels but the blood is circulating properly, the most likely structure functioning improperly is the alveoli.

The alveoli are responsible for gas exchange—oxygen is absorbed into the blood while carbon dioxide is released. If the alveoli are not functioning properly (e.g., due to fluid accumulation, inflammation, or other respiratory conditions), this can lead to low blood oxygen levels despite normal circulation.