Which of the following statements about the heart is true?

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the one statement that correctly describes the heart. Let's test each option.

Step 2: Key concept The heart is a muscular pump made of cardiac muscle. It contracts rhythmically to push blood through the blood vessels, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and carrying away waste products.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Production of red blood cells: False. Red blood cells are made in the red bone marrow (in adults), not in the heart. (In a foetus, the liver and spleen also help.)
• B. Pumps oxygenated blood to the lungs: False. The heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. Oxygenated blood returns from the lungs through the pulmonary vein and is then pumped to the body.
• C. Receives blood from the kidneys and filters waste: False. Filtering blood is the job of the kidneys, not the heart. The heart does not filter anything.
• D. A muscular organ that contracts to circulate blood throughout the body: True. This correctly describes the heart's structure (cardiac muscle) and function (pumping blood in circulation).

Step 4: Answer

Tip: Remember who does what:

• Heart = pump
• Bone marrow = makes blood cells
• Kidneys = filter blood
• Lungs = gas exchange

Also remember that arteries usually carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, except the pulmonary artery, which carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs. JAMB loves testing this exception!