Mass transport Flashcards
The need for a circulatory system
The cells of all living organisms need a constant supply of reactants for
for metabolism, e.g. oxygen and glucose
To solve this problem their exchange surfaces are connected to a mass transport system, for example
The digestive system is connected to the circulatory system
The lungs are connected to the circulatory system
Mass transport is
the bulk movement of gases or liquids in one direction, usually via a system of vessels and tubes
What does mass transport help do
Mass transport systems help to bring substances quickly from one exchange site to another
They also help to maintain the diffusion gradients at exchange sites and between cells and their fluid surroundings
Mass transport systems ensure effective cell activity by keeping the immediate fluid environment of cells within a suitable metabolic range
