Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

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Study for the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with each question offering hints and explanations. Ready your skills for the AEMT exam now!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which system is primarily responsible for the removal of bi-products of metabolism?

Endocrine
Respiratory
Digestive
Cardiovascular

The correct answer is: Respiratory

The respiratory system is primarily responsible for the removal of metabolic by-products, particularly carbon dioxide. As cells throughout the body use oxygen to produce energy, they generate carbon dioxide as a waste product. This carbon dioxide must be expelled from the body to maintain a proper balance of gases in the bloodstream and prevent acidosis. The process begins when carbon dioxide diffuses from the cells into the blood, where it is transported, primarily in the form of bicarbonate ions. As blood circulates to the lungs, the carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. During exhalation, it is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, the respiratory system plays a crucial role in this exchange, ensuring that metabolic waste is effectively removed from the body. While the other systems contribute to functions related to metabolism and waste management, such as processing nutrients or transporting substances, they do not specifically handle the removal of carbon dioxide as directly as the respiratory system does.