Circulation of blood to all parts of the body except the lungs is through?

Analyze the question The question asks which route carries blood to all parts of the body except the lungs.

Explain the concept In mammals (including humans), blood flows in a double circulation:

• Pulmonary circulation: heart (right ventricle) → pulmonary artery → lungs → pulmonary veins → heart (left atrium). Its job is to pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
• Systemic circulation: heart (left ventricle) → aorta → arteries → body tissues (head, limbs, organs) → veins → vena cava → heart (right atrium). Its job is to deliver oxygenated blood to the body and return deoxygenated blood.

Step-by-step solution

• A. The pulmonary artery carries blood to the lungs, so it is wrong. It is also only one vessel, not a whole circulation.
• B. Systemic circulation supplies all body parts other than the lungs, so it fits.
• C. The lymphatic system returns tissue fluid (lymph) and helps immunity. It is not the main blood circulation route, so it is wrong.
• D. Pulmonary circulation goes only to the lungs, which is the opposite of what the question asks.

Answer: B. Systemic circulation

Exam tip Remember: Pulmonary = Pulmonary lungs (heart ↔ lungs). Systemic = System of the whole body. If a question says "except the lungs," think systemic. If it says "to the lungs only," think pulmonary.