Topic 3b
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Salman MajidTopic 3b
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Salman MajidWhat is the function of the circulatory system?
;To transport **oxygen, nutrients,
hormones, and waste** around the body.;Includes the **heart**, **blood vessels**,
and **blood**. It maintains homeostasis and supports all body systems.
What is the heart?;A **muscular pump** that circulates blood throughout the
body.;Has four chambers: two atria (upper) and two ventricles (lower). Right side
pumps to lungs; left side pumps to body.
What separates the left and right sides of the heart?;The **septum**.;Prevents
mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Important for efficient circulation.
Which blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?;**Arteries**.;They carry
blood under **high pressure**, usually oxygenated (except pulmonary artery). Thick,
muscular walls help withstand pressure.
Which blood vessels return blood to the heart?;**Veins**.;Carry blood under **low
pressure**, usually deoxygenated (except pulmonary vein). Thin walls and **valves**
prevent backflow.
What are capillaries?;Tiny blood vessels where **exchange of substances**
occurs.;One-cell thick walls allow efficient diffusion of gases, nutrients, and
waste. Connect arteries to veins.
What is the function of the pulmonary artery?;Carries **deoxygenated blood** from
the heart to the **lungs**.;Only artery that carries deoxygenated blood. Pulmonary
= lungs.
What is the function of the pulmonary vein?;Carries **oxygenated blood** from the
lungs to the heart.;Only vein that carries oxygen-rich blood. Delivers to left
atrium.
Which side of the heart pumps blood to the body?;The **left** side.;Has a thicker
muscular wall (left ventricle) to generate high pressure. Pumps blood via the
**aorta**.
Name the four main components of blood.;**Red blood cells, white blood cells,
plasma, platelets**.;Each has a specific function: oxygen transport, immunity,
transport of substances, and clotting.
What is the function of red blood cells?;Transport **oxygen** using
**hemoglobin**.;Biconcave shape increases surface area. No nucleus = more space for
hemoglobin.
What is the function of white blood cells?;Defend the body against
**pathogens**.;Some engulf microbes (phagocytes), others produce antibodies
(lymphocytes). Larger and fewer than red cells.
What is the role of plasma?;Carries **dissolved substances** like glucose, CO₂,
hormones, urea.;Also distributes heat around the body. It’s a pale yellow liquid.
What do platelets do?;Help in **blood clotting**.;They prevent excessive bleeding
by forming a clot at wound sites. They are cell fragments, not full cells.
Define double circulation.;Blood passes through the heart **twice** in one full
circuit.;Pulmonary circulation = heart to lungs; systemic = heart to body. More
efficient for oxygen delivery in active animals.
EXAM QUESTION: Compare the structure of arteries and veins.;Arteries: thick,
muscular walls; Veins: thin walls, **valves**.;Mention lumen size (narrow in
arteries, wide in veins) and pressure differences. Diagrams often required.
EXAM QUESTION: Explain why red blood cells are biconcave and lack a
nucleus.;Biconcave shape = **more surface area** for diffusion; no nucleus = **more
hemoglobin**.;Key terms: diffusion, oxygen transport. Common mistake: stating “no
use for nucleus” without function.
EXAM QUESTION: Describe the path of blood through the heart starting at the vena
cava.;Vena cava → right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → lungs →
pulmonary vein → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta.;Must include correct valves
and chambers for full marks. Examiner tip: use arrows for clarity.
SAMPLE QUESTION: What happens if heart valves fail?;Blood may flow **backward**,
reducing efficiency.;Leads to fatigue and breathlessness. Can be corrected with
artificial valves.
SAMPLE QUESTION: A student cuts themselves. How do platelets help?;Form a **clot**
by releasing chemicals that trigger fibrin formation.;Prevents blood loss and
pathogen entry. Examiner tip: mention clot formation, not just “heals the wound.”
