Soc 15 - Cardiovascular System

Question 1

Cardiovascular system

Answer 1

Cardio means heart and vascular means blood vessels.

Question 2

Three main functions of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 2

-Transports oxygen, carbon dioxide and nutrients
-It helps clot blood
-Controls body’s temperature

Question 3

Vasodilation

Answer 3

When veins swell up or dilate; widening of the internal diameter of the blood vessel to allow increased blood flow

Question 4

Vasoconstriction

Answer 4

When veins shrink down; narrowing of the internal diameter of the blood vessel to decrease blood flow

Question 5

Importance of red blood cells

Answer 5

Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s cells, and carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs

Question 6

What is the importance of white blood cells?

Answer 6

● The blood also contains transparent cells called white blood cells
● They have an important function as the defence system of the body
● They produce antibodies to fight against infection and diseases
● If an athlete has a disease or infection they may not be able to
train/perform.

Question 7

What is the importance of platelets?

Answer 7

● Blood platelets are formed in the bone marrow.
● Tiny fragments that clump together to help blood clot and stop bleeding.
● Blood is the first line of defence in the repair of a wound.
● When a blood vessel is cut, platelets rush to the area and swell into
irregular shapes, they become sticky and act as a plug.
● If a performer gets a skin abrasion/cut the blood platelets will clot to stop
the bleeding.

Question 8

What is the importance of plasma?

Answer 8

● The main role of plasma is to take nutrients, hormones, and proteins to
the parts of the body that need it.
● Cells also put their waste products into the plasma. The plasma then
helps remove this waste from the body