Summary
The topic of Transport in Animals covers how substances are moved around the body through the circulatory system, focusing on blood components and heart function.
- Blood Plasma — the liquid part of blood that transports nutrients, hormones, and waste. Example: Blood plasma carries glucose, hormones, and urea dissolved in water.
- Left Ventricle — the heart chamber that pumps oxygenated blood to the whole body. Example: The left ventricle has the thickest muscle wall to generate high pressure.
- Capillaries — the smallest blood vessels where gas exchange occurs. Example: Blood passes through capillaries before returning to the heart.
- Pulmonary Artery — carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. Example: The pulmonary artery transports blood under high pressure.
- Platelets — cell fragments that help in blood clotting by forming a plug at injury sites. Example: A low platelet count results in excessive bleeding.
- Double Circulation — blood flows through the heart twice in one complete circuit. Example: Blood passes through the heart once to the lungs and once to the body.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Blood Plasma
- Left Ventricle
- Capillaries
- Pulmonary Artery
- Platelets
- Double Circulation
Common Confusions
- Haemoglobin is in red blood cells, not plasma.
- Oxygen is mostly carried by haemoglobin, not dissolved in plasma.
- Starch is not found in plasma; glucose is the primary sugar transported.
Typical Exam Questions
- What does blood plasma carry? Glucose, hormones, and urea dissolved in water.
- Which heart chamber has the thickest wall and why? The left ventricle, because it pumps blood to the whole body.
- What is the function of capillaries? They are where gas exchange occurs.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the components and functions of blood.
- The structure and function of the heart, especially the ventricles.
- The concept of double circulation and its significance.