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,SECTION 1: READING )
Key Ideas & Details
Passage 1 (Questions 1-5)
Read the following passage and answer the questions.
The human circulatory system is a complex network of blood vessels, the heart,
and blood that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products
throughout the body. The heart, a muscular organ approximately the size of a fist,
functions as a pump that propels blood through two distinct circuits: the pulmonary
circuit and the systemic circuit. The pulmonary circuit carries deoxygenated blood
from the right side of the heart to the lungs, where carbon dioxide is exchanged for
oxygen. The systemic circuit carries oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart
to the rest of the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing
waste products. The circulatory system is essential for maintaining homeostasis,
as it helps regulate body temperature, pH balance, and fluid balance.
1. What is the primary function of the pulmonary circuit?
A) To deliver oxygenated blood to the body's tissues
B) To exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen in the lungs
C) To pump blood through the heart's chambers
D) To regulate body temperature
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The passage explicitly states that the pulmonary circuit "carries
deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs, where carbon
dioxide is exchanged for oxygen."Option A describes the systemic circuit, not the
pulmonary circuit. Option C is incorrect because the heart pumps blood, not the
circuits themselves. Option D is a function of the circulatory system overall, not
specifically the pulmonary circuit.
2. Which of the following is the best summary of the passage?
A) The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
B) The circulatory system consists of the pulmonary and systemic circuits that
work together to transport blood and maintain homeostasis.
C) The circulatory system only transports oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
D) The pulmonary circuit is more important than the systemic circuit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage covers both the structure of the circulatory system (heart,
blood vessels, blood) and its two circuits, as well as its role in maintaining
homeostasis. Option B captures all these elements. Option A is too narrow,
focusing only on the heart. Option C omits the removal of waste products and
homeostasis. Option D makes a value judgment not supported by the passage.
3. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a function of the
circulatory system?
A) Transporting hormones
B) Regulating pH balance
, C) Producing red blood cells
D) Removing waste products
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage states the circulatory system transports hormones,
regulates pH balance, and removes waste products.Production of red blood cells
occurs primarily in bone marrow, not as a function of the circulatory system itself.
The passage does not mention red blood cell production.
4. The word "homeostasis" as used in the passage most nearly means:
A) A state of equilibrium or balance within the body
B) The process of circulating blood
C) The structure of the heart
D) The exchange of gases in the lungs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage states that the circulatory system "is essential for
maintaining homeostasis, as it helps regulate body temperature, pH balance, and
fluid balance."This context indicates homeostasis refers to maintaining stable
internal conditions or balance. Option B describes circulation itself. Option C refers
to heart structure. Option D describes gas exchange.
5. The author's purpose in writing this passage is most likely to: