Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

What does the term “systemic circulation” refer to?

1. The body's overall network of blood supply

2. The digestive system's blood supply

3. Localized blood flow in organs

4. The process of drug absorption in the stomach

The correct answer is: The body's overall network of blood supply

The term "systemic circulation" refers to the body's overall network of blood supply. This circulatory system is responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all body tissues and returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Understanding systemic circulation is crucial as it highlights the connection between the cardiovascular system and the body's metabolic needs. It encompasses the arteries, veins, and capillaries that distribute blood throughout the entire body, allowing for nutrient delivery and waste removal. By contrast, other options describe more specific circulatory phenomena or processes. The digestive system's blood supply pertains to a localized network primarily concerned with the organs of digestion, while localized blood flow in organs pertains to the specific regulation of blood supply that these organs receive. The process of drug absorption in the stomach relates to how medications enter the bloodstream, which is a different topic entirely that does not encompass the broader scope of systemic circulation.