Heart pumps blood more forcefully in older persons than younger ones due to

Options

A. decrease in oxygen content of blood
B. decrease in elasticity of arteries
C. fall in nutrient content of blood
D. increase in elasticity of arteries

Explanation

To answer the question "Heart pumps blood more forcefully in older persons than younger ones due to," we will analyze the options provided and determine the correct reason step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks why the heart pumps blood more forcefully in older individuals compared to younger ones. This implies a physiological change that occurs with aging.

2. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option 1: Decrease in oxygen content of blood**: This option suggests that older individuals have lower oxygen levels in their blood, which would require the heart to pump more forcefully. However, this is incorrect as oxygen content does not significantly decrease with age.

- **Option 2: Decrease in elasticity of arteries**: This option indicates that as people age, the elasticity of their arteries decreases. This is true; with aging, arteries become stiffer and less elastic. To maintain adequate blood flow to various parts of the body, the heart compensates by pumping blood more forcefully.

- **Option 3: Decrease in nutrient content of blood**: This option suggests that older individuals have lower nutrient levels in their blood. However, nutrient levels do not necessarily decrease with age, making this option incorrect.

- **Option 4: Increase in elasticity of arteries**: This option states that the elasticity of arteries increases with age. This is false, as aging typically leads to decreased elasticity of arteries.

3. **Conclusion**: After evaluating all the options, the correct reason for the heart pumping blood more forcefully in older persons is due to the **decrease in elasticity of arteries** (Option 2). As arteries lose their elasticity, the heart must exert more force to ensure blood reaches all areas of the body.

### Final Answer:
The heart pumps blood more forcefully in older persons than younger ones due to the **decrease in elasticity of arteries**.

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