Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following systems pumps and distributes blood throughout the body?

1. Respiratory

2. Endocrine

3. Cardiovascular

4. Integumentary

The correct answer is: Cardiovascular

The cardiovascular system is responsible for pumping and distributing blood throughout the body. It consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, working together to ensure that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to various tissues while removing waste products like carbon dioxide. The heart serves as the pump, the arteries and veins function as conduits for blood flow, and the overall system is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and supporting the metabolic activities of the body's cells. In contrast, the respiratory system is primarily involved in gas exchange—bringing oxygen into the body and expelling carbon dioxide. The endocrine system regulates bodily functions through hormones, which travel through the bloodstream but do not play a direct role in pumping or distributing blood itself. The integumentary system, consisting of the skin, hair, and nails, primarily serves protective functions and does not participate in the circulation of blood. Therefore, the cardiovascular system is the correct answer as it directly relates to the circulation of blood.