Which statement best defines the cardiovascular system?

Which statement best defines the cardiovascular system?

• A. The heart and blood vessels that transport blood
• B. The brain and spinal cord network
• C. The digestive enzymes that process food
• D. The respiratory airways and lungs

Answer: (A)

The cardiovascular system is the network of the heart and blood vessels that move blood around the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and carrying away carbon dioxide and other wastes. The heart acts as the pump, while arteries, veins, and capillaries transport the blood to every cell. This description focuses on the core players and the main function—circulating blood to sustain tissue perfusion—making it the best fit. The other options point to different body systems—nervous (brain and spinal cord), digestive (enzymes that process food), and respiratory (airways and lungs)—which do not define the cardiovascular system.

The cardiovascular system is the network of the heart and blood vessels that move blood around the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and carrying away carbon dioxide and other wastes. The heart acts as the pump, while arteries, veins, and capillaries transport the blood to every cell. This description focuses on the core players and the main function—circulating blood to sustain tissue perfusion—making it the best fit. The other options point to different body systems—nervous (brain and spinal cord), digestive (enzymes that process food), and respiratory (airways and lungs)—which do not define the cardiovascular system.