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Multiple Choice
In a fully developed human heart, why does blood on the right side never mix with blood on the left side?
A
The superior vena cava only allows oxygenated blood to enter the left side.
B
The atrioventricular valves prevent mixing of blood between the two sides.
C
The pulmonary veins act as a barrier between the right and left sides.
D
The presence of a complete interventricular septum separates the two sides.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure of the human heart. The heart is divided into four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). The right side of the heart handles deoxygenated blood, while the left side handles oxygenated blood.
Step 2: Learn about the interventricular septum. The interventricular septum is a thick wall of muscle that completely separates the right and left ventricles, ensuring that blood from the two sides does not mix.
Step 3: Clarify the role of the superior vena cava. The superior vena cava is a large vein that brings deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium. It does not interact with the left side of the heart.
Step 4: Examine the function of atrioventricular valves. These valves (tricuspid and mitral) prevent backflow of blood within each side of the heart but do not separate the right and left sides.
Step 5: Address the pulmonary veins. Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium. They do not act as a barrier between the right and left sides of the heart. The complete separation is due to the interventricular septum.