BLOOD and
Circulation
Miss Old
What does Blood do??
It does THREE main things:
TRANSPORT: Transports substances from one
part of the body to another.
PROTECTION: Helps to defend against diseases
REGULATION: Keeps conditions right for the
working of our cells.
What is BLOOD made up of?
PLASMA
RED BLOOD CELLS
WHITE BLOOD CELLS
PLATELETS
PLASMA – The fluid part
• Plasma carries the Red and White Blood Cells
and the Platelets.
• It transports dissolved substances around the
body such as Hormones and Antibodies.
• It also transports waste substances such as
Carbon Dioxide and Urea.
RED BLOOD CELLS
• Red Blood Cells carry Oxygen, Haemoglobin
and Iron.
• Haemoglobin absorbs Oxygen to become Ox-
haemoglobin.
• Red Blood Cells have no Nucleus.
• They are a flattened disc shape – this provides a
large surface area which allows a rapid diffusion
of oxygen.
• Also known as Erythrocytes.
WHITE BLOOD CELLS
• White Blood Cells defend against disease.
• They have a Large Nucleus
• They ingest pathogens and destroy them.
• They produce antibodies to destroy
pathogens.
• They produce antitoxins that neutralise the
toxins released by pathogens.
• Also known as Leukocytes
PLATELETS
• Platelets help the blood to clot.
• They make up just a tiny fraction of the blood
volume.
• They are the smallest and lightest blood cell.
• Platelets react first to injuries, providing a seal
to prevent bleeding.
Capillaries in
lungs
arter vein
y
arter
right left y
atrium atrium
vein
right left
ventricle ventricle
Capillaries in rest of
body
The Heart
Pulmonary Artery Aorta
Semi Lunar Valve
Vena Cava Pulmonary Vein
Right Atrium Left Atrium
Tricuspid Valve
Bicuspid Valve
Left Ventricle
Right Ventricle
WHAT IS A HEART ATTACK??
• Occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is
blocked – often by a clot – causing damage to the
affected muscle.
• A heart attack can occur if the shortage of oxygen to
an area of the heart muscle is severe and prolonged.
• There are many symptoms: Chest pain, Shortness of
breath, Sweating, Unexplained Anxiety, Weakness,
Palpitations.
• Heart attacks must be recognised and treated as
quickly as possible.
RESEARCH TASK
INDIVIDUALLY:
Research into Heart Attacks:
• What is a Heart Attack
• Why do they happen
• Who is most at risk
• Symptoms
• Causes
• How to reduce the risk
Record this information either on your iPad or on paper
