If the aorta of the heart is damaged, which function of the heart will be affected first? a. supplying oxygenated blood to the heart muscles b. supplying deoxygenated blood to the lungs c. supplying deoxygenated blood supply to the heart muscles d. supplying oxygenated blood to the arteries that travel to all major body parts

I believe the answer is: D) supplying oxygenated blood to the arteries that travel to all major parts.

The function of the aorta is to supply oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body into systemic circulation. This differs from answer choice A because choice A seems to be discussing pulmonary circulation, as opposed to systemic. (Pulmonary circulation occurs within the heart and lungs; systemic circulation occurs throughout the body.) Therefore, if the aorta of a human heart is damaged, the ability to supply oxygenated blood to major body parts would be affected.