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IGCSE Biology: Circulatory System Insights

Apr 9, 2025

IGCSE Study Buddy - Biology Revision Notes

Part 1: Chapter 9 - Transport in Animals

Overview of the Circulatory System

  • Primary Method of Transport: Nutrients and gases are primarily transported through the body via the circulatory system.
  • Components: Composed of blood vessels, a pump (heart), and valves for one-way blood flow.

Single Circulatory System (Fish)

  • Heart Structure: Fish have a two-chambered heart (Atrium and Ventricle).
  • Blood Flow: Blood passes through the heart only once for a complete circuit.
    • Deoxygenated Blood: From body capillaries to the Atrium -> Ventricle -> Gills (oxygen absorption).
    • Oxygenated Blood: Flows from gills to body capillaries completing one circuit.
  • Types of Circulation:
    • Gill Circulation: Blood pumped to gills for oxygenation.
    • Systemic Circulation: Blood travels to the rest of the body.

Double Circulatory System (Mammals)

  • Heart Structure: Mammals have a four-chambered heart (2 Atriums and 2 Ventricles).
  • Blood Flow: Blood passes through the heart twice for every complete circuit of the body.
    • Deoxygenated Blood Flow:
      • Enters right atrium via vena cava.
      • Moves to right ventricle.
      • Pumped to lungs via pulmonary artery for oxygenation.
    • Oxygenated Blood Flow:
      • Enters left atrium via pulmonary vein.
      • Moves to left ventricle.
      • Pumped to body via aorta.
  • Circulation Types:
    • Pulmonary Circulation: Right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to lungs.
    • Systemic Circulation: Left side pumps oxygenated blood to the body.

Advantages of Double Circulation

  • Higher Demand: Mammals are larger and require more oxygen and glucose for respiration.
  • Efficiency: Faster and more efficient delivery of oxygen and glucose due to higher blood pressure.

Structures of the Mammalian Heart

  1. Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body via vena cava.
  2. Tricuspid Valve: Separates right atrium and right ventricle.
  3. Right Ventricle: Pumps deoxygenated blood to lungs via pulmonary artery.
  4. Pulmonary Vein: Brings oxygenated blood back to the heart.
  5. Bicuspid Valve: Separates left atrium and left ventricle.
  6. Left Ventricle: Pumps oxygenated blood to the body via aorta.
  7. Septum: Muscle wall separating the two sides of the heart, preventing blood mixing.
  8. Coronary Arteries: Supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself.

Heart Muscle and Activity Monitoring

  • Muscle Thickness: Ventricles have thicker walls than atria; left ventricle thicker than right.
  • Monitoring: Heart activity can be monitored using ECG, pulse rate, and stethoscope.

Physical Activity and Heart Rate

  • Experiment: Measure resting pulse, then exercise, and record heart rate recovery.
  • Reason for Increase: Muscle cells require more oxygen and glucose during exercise, and waste products must be removed quickly.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

  • Definition: Blockage of coronary arteries leading to oxygen starvation in heart muscles, resulting in a heart attack.
  • Cause: Buildup of cholesterol and fatty substances in the arteries.
  • Risk Factors:
    • Poor diet (high in saturated fats).
    • Lack of exercise.
    • Diabetes and obesity.
    • Stress (increases blood pressure).
    • Smoking (increases blood pressure and clot risk).
    • Genetics (family history).
    • Age (risk increases with age).
    • Gender (males at higher risk).
  • Prevention: Avoid smoking, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.

Conclusion

  • Review of key concepts in the transport system of animals, particularly focusing on the differences between single and double circulatory systems, heart structures, and coronary heart disease.