What describes systemic circulation?

Systemic circulation refers to the pathway through which oxygen-rich blood travels from the heart to the various tissues and organs of the body. It begins in the left ventricle of the heart, where blood is pumped into the aorta and subsequently distributed through a network of arteries. These arteries branch out to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells, while also collecting carbon dioxide and metabolic waste. The cycle completes when the deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through the veins, entering the right atrium.

This definition highlights the importance of systemic circulation in maintaining the overall function and health of the body, as it ensures that all tissues receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients needed for metabolic processes. The option that describes the flow of blood directly from the heart to the lungs corresponds to pulmonary circulation, and the movement of blood within the heart chambers focuses on the cardiac cycle rather than the broader systemic pathway. The process of oxygen transfer between blood and muscle tissue pertains to diffusion at the cellular level, not to the overall circulatory system's pathway.