Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What do arterioles primarily do in the circulatory system?

1. Transport oxygenated blood to tissues

2. Receive blood from the arteries

3. Connect arteries to veins

4. Return deoxygenated blood to the heart

The correct answer is: Receive blood from the arteries

Arterioles play a crucial role in the circulatory system by controlling blood flow from the arteries to the capillaries. They are small-diameter blood vessels that branch off from arteries and represent the primary site where regulation of blood pressure and flow occurs. By receiving blood from the larger arteries, arterioles help to direct and reduce the blood's speed as it approaches the capillaries. This function is essential because it allows for the proper exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products in the tissues. The muscular walls of arterioles can constrict or dilate to regulate blood flow based on the needs of the body, contributing to overall cardiovascular health. In this light, their primary role of receiving blood from the arteries is vital to maintaining the efficiency of the circulatory system. The other options do not accurately describe the specific function of arterioles; they do not directly transport oxygenated blood to tissues or connect arteries to veins, nor do they return deoxygenated blood to the heart. Each of these processes is handled by different vessels or segments of the circulatory system, making the function of arterioles distinct and essential.