Question

which option is one way that the circulatory system helps maintain body temperature?
a. carrying heat around the body
b. controlling the flow of blood to the skin
c. carrying nutrients and energy to cells
d. speeding up the blood flow to generate heat

Explanation:

• Option a: Blood carries heat, but this is a passive transport, not a regulatory mechanism for temperature maintenance.
• Option b: The circulatory system controls blood flow to the skin—when warm, more blood flows to skin to release heat; when cold, less blood flows to retain heat, which is a key temperature regulation method.
• Option c: Carrying nutrients supports cell function, not direct temperature maintenance.
• Option d: Blood flow speed does not generate heat for temperature regulation; heat comes from cellular metabolism.

Answer:

b. controlling the flow of blood to the skin