Chapter 6 - The Circulatory System Flashcards
What is our circulatory system made up of?
- Blood
- System of blood vessels
- The heart
What are the 4 components of blood?
🔴Plasma
🔴Red blood cells
🔴White blood cells
🔴Platelets
What is plasma and what is its function?
Plasma is the liquid part of blood and it transports chemicals and heat around the body
What is the function of red blood cells?
Red blood cells contain haemoglobin which transports oxygen
What is the function of white blood cells?
White blood cells fight infections
What is the function of platelets?
Platelets help to form blood clots
What are the three main types of blood vessels?
- Arteries
- Veins
- Capillaries
What is the function of arteries?
To carry blood away from the heart
What is the function of veins?
To carry blood to the heart
What is the function of capillaries?
To allow materials to pass in and out of the blood
Describe the characteristics of an artery
- Blood is under high pressure
- Thick, strong walls
- No valves
Describe the characteristics of a vein
- Blood under low pressure.
- Thinner, weaker walls
- Have valves
Describe the characteristics of a capillary
- Tiny blood vessels
- Found between arteries and veins
- Are a huge number of capillaries in human body
- Very thin walls to allow materials to pass in and out of them
What is the function of the heart?
To pump blood around the body
What does the right ventricle do?
Pumps blood to the lungs