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Multiple Choice
A metarteriole is a vessel that:
A
connects an arteriole to a capillary bed
B
has the thickest walls of all blood vessels
C
is the main site of gas exchange in the circulatory system
D
carries blood directly from veins to arteries
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure and function of a metarteriole. A metarteriole is a type of blood vessel that serves as a transitional vessel between an arteriole and a capillary bed.
Step 2: Recall the role of arterioles in the circulatory system. Arterioles are small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries, and they regulate blood flow into the capillary beds.
Step 3: Understand the function of capillary beds. Capillary beds are networks of tiny blood vessels where gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and nutrient exchange occur between blood and tissues.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on anatomical knowledge. For example, metarterioles do not have the thickest walls (arteries do), are not the main site of gas exchange (capillaries are), and do not carry blood directly from veins to arteries (this is not physiologically possible).
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'connects an arteriole to a capillary bed,' as this aligns with the anatomical and physiological role of metarterioles in the circulatory system.