2. Organisation

• Red blood cells transport oxygen to all parts of the body
• Platelets


  Help with blood clotting
• Platelets


  • Consist of small cell fragments
  • Covered in protein allowing them to stick together
  • Can stick to damaged areas of blood vessels
• Blood clotting


  1. Platelets stick together

  2. Form a clot over the wound

  3. Stop bleeding
• White blood cells are part of the immune system
• White blood cells


  • Kill pathogens by engulfing and digesting them
  • Release antibodies and toxins
  • Change shape to surround pathogens
• Some white blood cells kill pathogens (called microorganisms) by engulfing and digesting them
• Other white blood cells destroy pathogens and toxins by releasing antibodies
• White blood cells have a memory
• What are the main components of blood?

  Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma
• What is the primary function of platelets?

  To play a crucial role in blood clotting (hemostasis)
• What substances do platelets release during the clotting process?

  They release chemicals that promote clotting and attract more platelets
• What are the vital functions performed by plasma?


  Transport, regulation, immune function, clotting, and pH balance
• What is the role of antibodies in plasma?

  They help fight infections
• If a patient has a condition affecting their plasma, which function would most likely be impacted?

  Nutrient transport throughout the body
• What example illustrates the function of plasma in nutrient transport?

  Plasma transports glucose from the digestive system to cells for energy
• What are the definitions of the biological structures in the hierarchy?

  - **Nucleus**: A membrane-bound organelle containing genetic material (DNA). - Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. - Tissue: A group of similar cells working together for a specific function. - Organ: A structure made up of different tissues working together. - Organism: A complete living entity capable of carrying out life processes independently.
• What is the correct definition of tissue?

  A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.
• What is the correct order of biological structures from smallest to largest?

  1. Nucleus 2. Cell 3. Tissue 4. Organ 5. Organism
• What is the hierarchical organization of biological structures?

  Organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms.
• What is the largest structure in the biological hierarchy mentioned in the study material?

  Organism
• What is the smallest structure in the biological hierarchy mentioned in the study material?

  Nucleus
• What is the primary function of the ventricles in the heart?

  To pump blood out of the heart
• What type of blood does the left ventricle pump?

  Oxygenated blood
• What type of blood does the right ventricle pump?

  Deoxygenated blood
• What determines how far blood is pumped from the ventricles?

  The strength of contraction
• How does the left ventricle differ from the right ventricle in terms of pressure generation?

  The left ventricle generates higher pressure than the right ventricle
• Why does the left ventricle need to generate high pressure?

  To push blood through the entire systemic circulation
• What is the shape of the left ventricle and why is it shaped that way?

  It is shaped like a cone for efficient pressure generation
• What is the structural difference between the left and right ventricles?

  The left ventricle has a thicker, more muscular wall than the right ventricle
• How does the structure of the right ventricle differ from that of the left ventricle?

  The right ventricle has a thinner wall and is shaped more like a crescent
• Why does the left ventricle have a greater workload than the right ventricle?

  Because it pumps blood to the entire body against higher resistance
• What is the main reason the left ventricle is thicker than the right ventricle?

  It needs to generate higher pressure to pump blood throughout the body
• What are the key differences between the left and right ventricles?

  - Left ventricle: - Pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body - Generates high pressure - Has a thicker, muscular wall - Pumps against high resistance - Right ventricle: - Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs - Generates lower pressure - Has a thinner wall - Pumps against lower resistance
• Why is the left ventricle's structure important for its function?

  - Thicker wall allows for: - Higher pressure generation - Efficient pumping against resistance - Cone shape aids in: - Effective pressure generation
• What is the main function of the lungs?

  Gas exchange between the air and the bloodstream
• What are the main components of the lungs?

  - Trachea: The main airway - Bronchi: Branches off the trachea - Bronchioles: Smaller branches of the bronchi - Alveoli: Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs
• Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?

  In the alveoli
• Why is a large surface area important for the lungs?

  It allows for more gas molecules to be exchanged simultaneously
• How do thin walls of the alveoli contribute to gas exchange?

  They reduce the diffusion distance for gases