7.2.1

The Circulatory System

Test yourself

The Circulatory System

Complex multicellular organisms require a specialised system for transporting nutrients throughout their bodies and removing waste products.

Illustrative background for HeartIllustrative background for Heart ?? "content

Heart

  • The heart is the centre of the circulatory system.
  • Mammals have a double circulatory system. This means blood flows through the heart twice in one circuit.
    • Deoxygenated blood is pumped to the lungs.
    • Oxygenated blood is pumped around the body.
Illustrative background for Coronary arteriesIllustrative background for Coronary arteries ?? "content

Coronary arteries

  • The heart is a muscle that is constantly contracting and relaxing.
  • The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen for respiration.
  • The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart.
Illustrative background for Pulmonary artery & veinIllustrative background for Pulmonary artery & vein ?? "content

Pulmonary artery & vein

  • Deoxygenated blood is pumped out of the heart to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
  • Oxygen diffuses into the deoxygenated blood in the lungs and the blood becomes oxygenated.
  • Oxygenated blood flows into the heart from the lungs via the pulmonary vein.
Illustrative background for Aorta & vena cavaIllustrative background for Aorta & vena cava ?? "content

Aorta & vena cava

  • Oxygenated blood is pumped out of the heart around the body via the aorta.
  • Blood in the aorta is very high pressure to ensure the blood can be pumped to all the tissues in the body.
  • Oxygen dissociates from the blood at respiring cells in the body and the blood becomes deoxygenated.
  • Deoxygenated blood flows into the heart from the body via the vena cava.
Illustrative background for Renal artery & veinIllustrative background for Renal artery & vein ?? "content

Renal artery & vein

  • Oxygenated blood flows out of the aorta to the kidneys.
  • Oxygenated blood enters the kidneys through the renal artery.
  • Oxygen diffuses out of the blood to be used in the kidney cells and the blood becomes deoxygenated.
  • Deoxygenated blood flows out of the kidneys via the renal vein.

Jump to other topics

1Unity & Diversity - Molecules

2Unity & Diversity - Cells

3Unity & Diversity - Organisms

4Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems

5Form & Function - Molecules

6Form & Function - Cells

7Form & Function - Organisms

8Form & Function - Ecosystems

9Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules

10Interaction & Interdependence - Cells

11Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

12Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

12.1Populations & Communities

12.2Transfers of Energy & Matter

13Continuity & Change - Molecules

14Continuity & Change - Cells

15Continuity & Change - Organisms

16Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium