Biology Homework [Blood and Blood Vessels] Flashcards
23.02.25 (20 cards)
How do white blood cells protect the body?
-Engulf pathogens
-Produce antitoxins to neutralise toxins, or antibodies
What is the plasma?
Fluid in which all substances are transported in.
Why is breathing important?
Takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide which maintains high concentration gradient in the alveoli.
What is blood?
Blood is a tissue consisting of plasma, in which the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are suspended.
What is the function of platelets?
Forms blood clots to prevent the loss of blood out of a wound and stops pathogens from entering and infecting.
State three adaptations of a red blood cell.
Biconcave disc shape to increase surface area, contains haemoglobin to bind to oxygen, no nucleus to carry more oxygen.
What is the function of a vein?
Carries blood from the organs back to the heart.
Describe the three adaptations of the alveoli for effective gas exchange.
Folded walls which increase surface area, thin walls which means short diffusion distance, large blood supply to maintain steep concentration gradient.
By which passive process does gas exchange take place?
Diffusion.
Outline the flow of air from the atmosphere into our lungs, starting from the nasal cavity.
Nose and mouth > trachea > bronchi > bronchioles > alveoli
How does the structure of a capillary relate to its function?
Capillaries are one cell thick so there is a short diffusion distance.
State the function of red blood cells.
Transport oxygen to all the cells in the body.
How does the structure of an artery relate to its function?
Has a narrow lumen to maintain high blood pressure and thick muscle elasticated walls that can stretch.
Name the four components of blood.
Red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets.
How does the structure of a vein relate to its function?
Has a wide lumen due to low pressure and thin layer or muscle and elastic. Has valves to prevent blood flowing the wrong way.
Name the substances transported in the blood plasma.
-Hormones, proteins, urea, carbon dioxide, glucose.
What is the function of an artery?
Carries blood from the heart to the other parts of the body.
State the function of the ribcage.
Protect the heart and lungs.
What is the function of the alveoli?
Site of gas exchange between carbon dioxide and oxygen.
What is the function of a capillary?
In the capillaries oxygen diffuses from blood to cells and waste carbon dioxide diffuses from cells to blood.
