In the described path from the left ventricle to the right atrium, which sequence correctly lists the vascular segments from proximal to distal?

• A. Veins, venules, capillaries, arterioles, arteries
• B. Arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins
• C. Arteries, capillaries, arterioles, venules, veins
• D. Arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins

Answer: (D)

The path from the heart outward follows the progression of blood as it leaves the heart, travels through the arterial system, reaches the capillary exchange beds, and then returns via the venous system. Blood leaves the left ventricle into the aorta and systemic arteries, then moves into arterioles—the small resistance vessels that regulate flow and pressure—before reaching the capillaries where exchanges with tissues occur. From there, blood collects into venules, which join into veins that return it toward the heart, ultimately reentering the right atrium. So the correct proximal-to-distal sequence is arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins. This order reflects the transition from high-pressure delivery to microcirculation and finally back to the heart through low-pressure venous return.