Which describes a function of the cardiopulmonary system?

• A. Blood flow and delivery of O2 and nutrients
• B. Regulation of body temperature
• C. Digestive enzyme production
• D. Hormone synthesis

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that the cardiopulmonary system moves blood so that oxygen can be taken up in the lungs and delivered to tissues, and nutrients carried by the blood can reach cells throughout the body. The heart pumps blood to the lungs for gas exchange, giving oxygen to the blood, and then to the rest of the body to supply tissues with oxygen and nutrients while removing carbon dioxide. This core function of circulating oxygen and nutrients (and clearing wastes) is what the cardiopulmonary system does best.

Regulating body temperature involves multiple systems and isn’t the primary job of the heart and lungs. Digestive enzyme production is a function of the digestive organs, not the cardiopulmonary system. Hormone synthesis is primarily an endocrine function.