Mammalian Circulatory System Flashcards
Mammals have a circulatory system. Outline the system:
In mammals, their circulatory system is a closed, double circulatory system
What is meant by a ‘closed’ circulatory system?
The blood remains within the blood vessels, as long as there are no damages to the vessels
What is meant by a ‘double circulatory’ system? Explain how this works practically?
The blood passes through the heart twice in each circuit.
In one circuit blood is delivered to the lungs. In the other circuit blood is delivered to the rest of the body
Why do mammals require a double circulatory system?
Mammals require a double circulatory system to manage their blood pressure flow. This is because different parts of the body require blood at different pressures
What pressure level is required in the circuit that pumps blood to the lungs? What does the blood pressure level allow in the lungs?
In the lungs, the blood is at a lower pressure.
This allows the blood to flow through the lungs slower, preventing damage to the capillaries in the alveoli.
Additionally a lower blood pressure means there is a slower movement, which enables more time for gas exchange
What pressure level is required in the circuit that pumps blood to the lungs? What does the blood pressure level allow in the lungs?
The circuit which pumps blood to the rest of the body, requires blood pumped at a higher pressure. This is because it is importantly to ensure that the blood reaches all the respiring cells in the body.
What are the key blood vessels?
coronary arteries, vena cava, pulmonary vein, pulmonary artery, aorta, renal artery and renal vein
What is the blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart?
An artery
What is the blood vessel that carries blood to the heart?
A vein
