Reading Comprehension Related

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Blood Pressure Regulators
The body is composed of systems that have evolved and diversified in order to maintain the natural functions and processes they regulate. One such system that has these regulators is the body’s cardiovascular system. The body’s pump, which regulates the flow of vitally needed oxygen to all cells of the body, as well as the discard of carbon dioxide and other waste products, is the heart.
Because blood pressure varies at different points within the body, differing components are needed to keep the body’s blood pressure regulated. Three of the basic components are baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys.
Baroreceptors are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings and are contained along the walls of the arteries near the heart and in other areas of the body as well. Impulses are related to this stretching along the arterial walls, which causes these baroreceptors to send out even more impulses to the heart, arteries, and veins, causing the blood pressure to go either up or down.
Chemoreceptors are located along the walls of the arteries and monitor changes in oxygen level, carbon dioxide, and pH. Just think! A fall in oxygen causes receptors to send impulses to raise the blood pressure.
The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by absorbing salts and water and removing wastes. Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex cause the kidney to keep or let go of any salt and water. This has an influence on blood volume and consequently on blood pressure.

Which statement is not a detail from the passage?

  • A. Baroreceptors are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings along the arterial walls and send out messages in response to stretching.
  • B. Chemoreceptors are located along the walls of the arteries and monitor changes in oxygen level, carbon dioxide, and pH.
  • C. The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by absorbing salts and water.
  • D. The heart is the body's pump, regulating the flow of oxygen to all cells and removing waste products.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the statement incorrectly describes baroreceptors as rigid and static nerve endings when, in fact, they are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings. The passage clearly states that baroreceptors are stretch receptors along the arterial walls that send messages in response to stretching, not rigid and static. Choices B, C, and D are all accurate details from the passage regarding chemoreceptors, the kidneys' role in regulating blood pressure, and the heart's function in oxygen transport and waste removal, respectively.