circulatory system

• What is the role of the circulatory system?

  To transport oxygen and nutrients
• What does blood carry in the circulatory system?

  Oxygen and nutrients
• How can the circulatory system be described?

  As a double circulatory system
• What happens to deoxygenated blood in the circulatory system?

  It goes to the lungs to gain oxygen
• What are the two distinct loops in the circulatory system?

  One for deoxygenated blood, one for oxygenated
• How many chambers does the heart have?

  Four chambers
• What are the top chambers of the heart called?

  Atria
• What prevents blood from flowing backwards in the heart?

  Valves
• What happens when the atria contract?

  They push blood into the ventricles
• What do the ventricles do after the atria contract?

  They contract and push blood out
• What is an artificial pacemaker used for?

  To regulate heart contractions
• What does the pulmonary artery carry?

  Deoxygenated blood away from the heart
• What does the pulmonary vein carry?

  Oxygenated blood to the heart
• What is the structure and function of the heart?

  • Four chambers: two atria and two ventricles
  • Thick muscular walls
  • Valves prevent backflow
  • Pumps blood to lungs and body
• What are the key components of the circulatory system?

  • Blood: carries oxygen and nutrients
  • Blood vessels: transport blood
  • Heart: pumps blood
• What is the cycle of blood flow through the heart?

  1. Blood enters via vena cava and pulmonary vein
  2. Atria contract, pushing blood to ventricles
  3. Ventricles contract, pushing blood to lungs and body
  4. Cycle repeats approximately 70 times a minute
• What is the role of coronary arteries?

  • Supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle
  • Ensure heart muscle receives nutrients
• which atrium receives oxygen poor blood from the body and pumps it to the right ventricle?


  right atrium
• What are the three types of blood vessels discussed?

  Arteries, capillaries, and veins
• What do arteries do with blood?

  Carry blood away from the heart
• What is the role of capillaries in the circulatory system?

  Exchange nutrients and oxygen with tissues
• What do veins do with blood?

  Carry blood back to the heart
• How is the structure of arteries related to their function?

  They are strong and elastic to handle high pressure
• Why do arteries have thick walls?

  To withstand high blood pressure
• How are capillaries adapted for their function?

  They have thin walls and are permeable
• Why is blood pressure lower in capillaries than in arteries?

  Capillaries have a larger total cross-sectional area
• What do veins have to prevent backflow of blood?

  Valves
• Why do veins have thinner walls than arteries?

  Because they carry blood at low pressures
• What is the typical question format for calculating blood flow rate?

  Volume of blood over time
• How do you calculate the rate of blood flow?

  Divide volume by time
• What is the significance of the aorta in the circulatory system?

  It is the big artery leaving the heart
• What are the key functions of arteries, capillaries, and veins?

  • Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart
  • Capillaries: Exchange nutrients and oxygen with tissues
  • Veins: Return blood to the heart
• What are the structural differences between arteries, capillaries, and veins?

  • Arteries: Thick walls, strong, elastic
  • Capillaries: Single cell thick, permeable
  • Veins: Thin walls, large lumens, valves present
• What are the four main components of blood?

  Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma
• What is the primary role of red blood cells?

  To carry oxygen from lungs to tissues
• What are the two adaptations of red blood cells?

  They lack a nucleus and are biconcave
• Why do red blood cells lack a nucleus?

  To provide more space for haemoglobin
• How does the biconcave shape of red blood cells benefit them?

  It increases surface area for oxygen absorption
• What percentage of blood do white blood cells make up?

  Less than 1%
• What is the primary function of white blood cells?

  To defend against infection