Question

Highly oxygenated blood returning from the pulmonary capillaries in the lungs passes through a series of vessels that join together to form the _________________—the only post-natal veins in the body that carry highly oxygenated blood.

Answer 1

The highly oxygenated blood from the lungs is carried back to the heart by the pulmonary veins, making them the only post-natal veins that transport oxygen-rich blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The highly oxygenated blood returning from the pulmonary capillaries in the lungs passes through a series of vessels that join together to form the pulmonary veins—the only post-natal veins in the body that carry highly oxygenated blood.

The pulmonary veins are unique because most veins carry deoxygenated blood; however, in this case, these veins return the oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart, specifically to the left atrium. From there, the blood is pumped into the left ventricle and then into the aorta to be distributed throughout the body via the systemic circuit.

Answer 2

Highly oxygenated blood from the pulmonary capillaries returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins, which are the only post-natal veins that carry oxygen-rich blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The veins that return oxygen-poor blood to the heart are the superior and inferior venae cavae, while the pulmonary veins are unique as they transport oxygen-rich blood from the lungs back to the heart. After the gas exchange process in the pulmonary capillaries, oxygenated blood flows through pulmonary venules and into the pulmonary veins. These veins are the only post-natal veins in the body that carry highly oxygenated blood.

This oxygen-rich blood is then directed into the left atrium, which propels it into the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the oxygenated blood into the aorta and throughout the systemic circuit, providing oxygen and nutrients to the body while collecting carbon dioxide and waste.