Circulatory system

• What shape are red blood cells?

  Biconcave discs
• Why is the biconcave shape of red blood cells advantageous?

  It increases the surface area for absorption of oxygen
• What pigment do red blood cells contain that absorbs oxygen?

  Haemoglobin
• What is the significance of red blood cells losing their nucleus?

  It allows more haemoglobin to be packed into their cytoplasm
• What ability do white blood cells have that aids in their function?

  They can change shape and move
• How do white blood cells fight infection?

  By squeezing through tiny gaps in capillary walls to enter tissues
• What are the two main types of white blood cells mentioned?

  Phagocytes and those involved in antibody production
• What is the sequence of blood flow in the circulatory system?

  • Heart
  • Arteries
  • Capillaries
  • Veins
  • Heart
• What is the primary function of the circulatory system?

  To transport materials around the body
• What liquid fills the circulatory system?

  Blood
• What substance is transported from the digestive system in the blood plasma?

  Digested food
• How is oxygen transported in the blood?

  By red blood cells
• What is transported to the lungs to be exhaled?

  Carbon dioxide
• Where are wastes transported for excretion?

  To the kidneys
• What are hormones in the context of the circulatory system?

  Chemical messengers that regulate processes in the body
• What role does blood play in fighting pathogens?

  It helps in fighting microorganisms that cause disease
• What are the main components of blood?

  • Plasma: Liquid part transporting substances
  • Red blood cells: Transport oxygen
  • White blood cells: Fight diseases
  • Platelets: Help blood to clot
• What is the function of plasma in the blood?

  To transport water-soluble substances, digested food, carbon dioxide, salts, and hormones
• What is the role of platelets in the blood?

  To help the blood to clot
• What type of white blood cell is specifically mentioned as ingesting bacteria?

  Phagocytes
• What are the differences between red blood cells and white blood cells?

  • Red blood cells:
  • Biconcave shape
  • Contain haemoglobin
  • Transport oxygen
  • White blood cells:
  • Change shape and move
  • Fight infections
  • Different types with specific functions
• What is the structure of a red blood cell?

  It is a biconcave disc
• What is the structure of a phagocyte?

  It is a type of white blood cell
• What is the simplified structure of the circulatory system in mammals?

  • Heart
  • Arteries
  • Capillaries
  • Veins
  • Heart