7.

Transportation
7.2 Transport in humans
Describe the circulatory system as a system of tubes with a pump and valves to ensure
one way flow of blood
Describe the double circulation in terms of a low pressure circulation to the lungs and a
high pressure circulation to the body tissues and relate these differences to the different
functions of the two circuits
7.2.1 Heart
Describe the structure of the heart including the muscular wall and septum, chambers,
valves and associated blood vessels
Describe the function of the heart in terms of muscular contraction and the working of the
valves
Investigate, state and explain the effect of physical activity on pulse rate
Describe coronary heart disease in terms of the blockage of coronary arteries and state
the possible causes (diet, stress and smoking) and preventive measures
7.2.2 Arteries, veins and capillaries
Name the main blood vessels to and from the heart, lungs, liver and kidney
Describe the structure and functions of arteries, veins and capillaries Supplement
Explain how structure and function are related in arteries, veins and capillaries
Describe the transfer of materials between capillaries and tissue fluid
7.2.3 Blood
Identify red and white blood cells as seen under the light microscope on prepared slides,
and in diagrams and photomicrographs
List the components of blood as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma
State the functions of blood
red blood cells haemoglobin and oxygen transport
white blood cells phagocytosis and antibody formation
platelets causing clotting (no details)
plasma transport of blood cells, ions, soluble nutrients, hormones, carbon dioxide, urea
and plasma proteins Supplement
Describe the immune system in terms of antibody production, tissue rejection and
phagocytosis
Describe the function of the lymphatic system in circulation of body fluids, and the
production of lymphocytes
Describe the process of clotting (fibrinogen to fibrin only)

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Ms. Binoli Herath

Blood and its components

1.Blood is a bodily fluid in animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and
oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells.
2. When it reaches the lungs, gas exchange occurs when carbon dioxide is diffused out of
the blood into the alveoli and oxygen is diffused into the blood.

3. This oxygenated blood is pumped to the left hand side of the heart in the pulmonary vein
and enters the left atrium.

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Ms. Binoli Herath

4. From here it passes through the bicuspid valve, through the ventricle and taken all around the body by
the aorta.
5.Blood contains antibodies, nutrients, oxygen and much more to help the body work.
6.Blood is a constantly circulating fluid providing the body with nutrition, oxygen, and waste removal.
7.A liquid called plasma makes up about half of the content of blood.
8.Plasma contains proteins that help blood to clot, transport substances through the blood, and perform
other functions.
9.Blood plasma also contains glucose and other dissolved nutrients.
10.About half of blood volume is composed of blood cells:
Red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues
White blood cells, which fight infections
Platelets, smaller cells that help blood to clot

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Ms. Binoli Herath

11.Blood is conducted through blood vessels (arteries and veins).

12.Blood is prevented from clotting in the blood vessels by their smoothness, and the finely tuned balance
of clotting factors.

Blood performs many important functions within the body including:

Supply of oxygen to tissues (bound to hemoglobin, which is carried in red cells)

Supply of nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids (dissolved in the blood or bound to plasma
proteins (e.g., blood lipids))

Removal of waste such as carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid

Immunological functions, including circulation of white blood cells, and detection of foreign material by
antibodies

Coagulation, the response to a broken blood vessel, the conversion of blood from a liquid to a semi-solid
gel to stop bleeding.

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Messenger functions, including the transport of hormones and the signaling of tissue damage

Regulation of body pH

Regulation of core body temperature

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