NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a function of blood?

1. Transport oxygen

2. Regulate pulse rate

3. Deliver nutrients

4. Transport waste products

The correct answer is: Regulate pulse rate

Blood has several critical functions that support various physiological processes in the body. One of its primary roles is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs, which is essential for cellular respiration and energy production. Additionally, blood plays a vital role in delivering nutrients obtained from food to cells throughout the body, facilitating growth and cellular repair. It is also responsible for transporting waste products, such as carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes, to the organs responsible for their elimination, such as the lungs and kidneys. In relation to regulating pulse rate, this is primarily controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which adjusts heart rate based on the body’s needs. While blood circulation is influenced by pulse rate and blood flow, blood itself does not directly regulate pulse rate. This distinction clarifies why this particular choice does not align with the established functions of blood.