Circulatory System

Question 1

What is an organ system?

Answer 1

A collection of organs, tissues and processes which carry out a specific function

Question 2

What is the structure of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 2

The heart, blood and blood vessels

Question 3

What is the function of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 3

To transport gases and nutrients through the human body via the heart and blood vessels

Question 4

Give 3 structures of the heart

Answer 4

1) Pericardium – Outer protective layer
2) Myocardium – Muscular middle layer
3) Endocardium – Inner layer

Question 5

Give 3 functions of the heart

Answer 5

1) Pericardium – Enables smooth movement of the heart when beating
2) Myocardium – Stimulates heart contractions to pump blood to the ventricles
3) Endocardium – Ensures smooth flow of the blood through the hearts chambers

Question 6

Give 4 structures of blood

Answer 6

1) Plasma
2) Platelets / Thrombocytes
3) Red Blood Cells / Erythrocytes
4) White Blood Cells / Leukocytes

Question 7

Give 4 functions of blood

Answer 7

1) Plasma – Carries proteins, blood cells and other substances suspended within it
2) Platelets – Form clots to block blood from existing wounds
3) Red Blood Cells – Keep tissue alive by
4) White Blood Cells – Attack and destroy potentially harmful foreign matter

Question 8

Give 5 structures of blood vessels

Answer 8

1) Arteries – No valves and small lumen
2) Arterioles – Smaller arteries
3) Capillaries – Thin walls and one cell thick
4) Venules – Smaller veins
5) Veins – Valves and large lumen

Question 9

Give 5 functions of blood vessels

Answer 9

1) Arteries – Take oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues
2) Arterioles – Deliver blood to the capillaries
3) Capillaries – Link arteries and veins together, exchange materials between blood and tissues and blood loses oxygen in the capillaries because cells require it for respiration
4) Venules – Drain blood from the capillaries into veins
5) Veins – Carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues to the heart

Question 10

Explain how the circulatory system works

Answer 10

Starts with deoxygenated blood that enters the heart via the superior and inferior vena cava. The blood then reaches the right atrium, where it travels through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle. It then goes through the pulmonary valve to the pulmonary artery, where the blood goes to the lungs to intake oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The blood is now oxygenated and travels back through the pulmonary veins to the left atrium, bicuspid valve and left ventricle. Finally, the blood travels through the aortic valve to the aorta, where it can be pumped around the body once again.