Which statement is true about the interaction of cardiac and pulmonary systems?

Which statement is true about the interaction of cardiac and pulmonary systems?

• A. Cardiac and pulmonary systems rely on each other to deliver oxygen to tissues and remove CO2.
• B. Cardiac and pulmonary systems operate independently.
• C. Only the heart handles gas exchange.
• D. Lung function does not affect blood flow.

Answer: (A)

Gas exchange and circulation are tightly connected; the lungs oxygenate blood and remove CO2, while the heart moves that blood through the body to deliver oxygen where it’s needed and take away waste. The right heart sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs to be oxygenated, and the left heart pumps that oxygen-rich blood to tissues. If either system falters, tissue oxygen delivery drops and CO2 removal becomes less efficient. During activity, ventilation and perfusion rise together to meet higher demands, illustrating how the two systems rely on each other. Lung problems can raise the heart’s workload and alter blood flow, while heart problems can cause pulmonary congestion that hampers gas exchange, so the two systems function as one integrated unit.

Gas exchange and circulation are tightly connected; the lungs oxygenate blood and remove CO2, while the heart moves that blood through the body to deliver oxygen where it’s needed and take away waste. The right heart sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs to be oxygenated, and the left heart pumps that oxygen-rich blood to tissues. If either system falters, tissue oxygen delivery drops and CO2 removal becomes less efficient. During activity, ventilation and perfusion rise together to meet higher demands, illustrating how the two systems rely on each other. Lung problems can raise the heart’s workload and alter blood flow, while heart problems can cause pulmonary congestion that hampers gas exchange, so the two systems function as one integrated unit.