Topic B2- The circulatory system (the heart)

• What is the primary function of the circulatory system?

  To carry food and oxygen to every cell in the body
• How does the circulatory system remove waste products?

  By transporting waste products away from the cells
• What are the main components of the circulatory system?

  The heart, blood vessels, and blood
• What is meant by a double circulatory system?

  It consists of two separate circuits joined together
• What happens to deoxygenated blood in the circulatory system?

  It is pumped to the lungs to take in oxygen
• What occurs after blood returns to the heart from the lungs?

  It is pumped to the body to deliver oxygen
• What do the ventricles do during the heart's pumping cycle?

  They contract to force blood into the pulmonary artery and aorta
• What are the four chambers of the heart?

  Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle
• What is the process of blood flow through the heart?

  1. Blood flows into the atria from veins.
  2. Atria contract, pushing blood into ventricles.
  3. Ventricles contract, forcing blood into arteries.
  4. Blood flows to organs through arteries and returns through veins.
  5. Atria fill again, and the cycle repeats.
• Why do the heart's walls need to prevent blood from flowing backward?

  To ensure blood flows in the right direction
• What arteries supply the heart with oxygenated blood?

  Coronary arteries
• What is the role of the pacemaker in the heart?

  It controls the resting heart rate
• How does the pacemaker generate a heartbeat?

  By producing a small electric impulse that causes muscle contraction
• What is an artificial pacemaker used for?

  To control heartbeat if natural pacemaker cells fail
• How is an artificial pacemaker implanted?


  It is implanted under the skin with a wire going to the heart
• What does an artificial pacemaker produce to maintain a regular heartbeat?


  An electric current
• What is the significance of the right and left sides of the heart?

  • Right side pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
  • Left side pumps oxygenated blood to the body.