Which vessels of the heart carry oxygen-rich blood?

Ace the MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and excel in your test!

The vessels of the heart that carry oxygen-rich blood are the aorta and the pulmonary veins. The aorta is the major artery that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body, delivering much-needed oxygen to tissues and organs.

On the other hand, the pulmonary veins are unique among veins because they carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart. This oxygenation occurs in the lungs, where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen during respiration.

Understanding the roles of these specific vessels is crucial in the circulatory system. The aorta's primary function is to distribute oxygenated blood throughout the body, while the pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood to the heart after it has been aerated in the lungs.

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