Which physician is credited with first giving a correct scientific description of blood circulation in the human body?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding how blood moves through the human body is a central part of physiology and medicine. Before the seventeenth century, ideas about circulation were incomplete and often incorrect. This question tests whether you know which physician first provided a correct scientific description of blood circulation, including the role of the heart as a pump and the continuous circuit of blood through arteries and veins.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the first correct scientific account of blood circulation.
• The physician described how the heart pumps blood and how it circulates in a closed system.
• We assume general knowledge of major medical pioneers.

Concept / Approach:
To answer correctly, recall that an English physician of the seventeenth century used careful observation and measurement to show that blood moves in a circuit rather than being constantly formed and consumed. His work overturned earlier theories and is regarded as a major turning point in medical science. Among the options, identify this physician and distinguish him from others who made contributions in different areas of medicine or science.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that William Harvey is famous for describing systemic circulation and the function of the heart. Step 2: Connect the concept of blood circulation with his experiments and writings. Step 3: Look at the given options and locate William Harvey in option C. Step 4: Confirm that the other names relate to unrelated medical developments. Step 5: Select William Harvey as the final answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Mary Anderson is known for inventing the windshield wiper. Virginia Apgar created the Apgar score for evaluating newborn infants. Robert Feulgen developed a staining technique for DNA. Andreas Vesalius made major contributions to anatomy by performing dissections and publishing detailed anatomical drawings, but he did not correctly explain circulation. William Harvey, on the other hand, clearly described blood circulation in his work. This cross check confirms that William Harvey is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mary Anderson worked in an engineering related field and did not contribute to circulatory physiology.
Virginia Apgar concentrated on obstetrics and neonatal care, not on cardiovascular physiology.
Robert Feulgen focused on biochemical staining methods, not circulation studies.
Andreas Vesalius described anatomy but did not provide a correct model of how blood circulates.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may mix up different medical pioneers or select Andreas Vesalius because he is strongly connected with anatomy. Another pitfall is to confuse the discovery of blood circulation with later advances in cardiology. To avoid such mistakes, it is helpful to remember one key phrase: William Harvey and circulation of blood. Keeping this association clear in memory ensures a quick and confident answer in exams.

Final Answer:
The physician who first gave a correct scientific description of blood circulation is William Harvey.