Supplier of oxygenated blood - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Supplier of oxygenated blood," is a classic example of a straightforward, definition-based clue often found in crossword puzzles. It tests general knowledge in the field of biology and is a term that many solvers will recognize from school or popular culture. Let's break down how to approach this common piece of crossword fill.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a direct definition. Let's dissect it:

• "Supplier": This indicates a source or a primary distributor.
• "of oxygenated blood": This specifies what is being supplied. Oxygenated blood is blood that has passed through the lungs to pick up oxygen and is ready to be delivered to the body's tissues.

The clue is asking for the name of the main anatomical part responsible for distributing this life-giving blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might arrive at the answer through a few different paths:

1. Direct Recall: Many people will immediately know the answer from basic biology education. The function described in the clue is the primary job of a very famous blood vessel.
2. Keyword Association: If the answer isn't immediately obvious, you can brainstorm related terms. "Blood" and "oxygen" might lead you to think about the heart, arteries, and veins. The clue specifies "oxygenated blood," which is typically carried by arteries (with the exception of the pulmonary artery). The "supplier" part points to the main artery.
3. Using Crossings: This is a five-letter word with three vowels. Even if you're a bit rusty on your anatomy, getting a letter or two from crossing clues (like the initial 'A' or the 'O' in the middle) will likely jog your memory and make the answer click into place.

Background Context

The answer refers to the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen. Its function is crucial: it distributes oxygenated blood to all parts of the body through the systemic circulation. Without it, our organs and tissues wouldn't receive the oxygen they need to function.

For a deeper dive into its role, you can read more about the aorta on Wikipedia. Its name is a staple in crosswords due to its common letters and five-letter length.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of why a broad base of general knowledge is so helpful in crossword solving. "Supplier of oxygenated blood" is a clean, unambiguous clue that points directly to a fundamental piece of human anatomy. Recognizing these types of definition clues is a key skill for any solver.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This is a major component of the circulatory system.
2. Hint 2: It's a vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
3. Hint 3: It is the largest of its kind in the human body.
4. Hint 4: It originates from the left ventricle.

The answer is AORTA.