Transport in Humans Flashcards
(36 cards)
Define diffusion
The random movement of molecules from a high concentration to low concentration
When dye is dropped into water it diffuses. What happens when it has completely diffused?
- Equilibrium is reached - There is no net movement
What are the five factors that affect the rate of diffusion?
- Temperature - Concentration gradient - Surface area - Volume - Distance
How do you work out the Surface area/Volume ratio?
Surface area ÷ Volume
What is the function of the circulatory system?
To transport substances around the body
What three things does the circulatory system need to do its job?
- A liquid to transport substances in (The blood) 2. A pump to move the liquid (The heart) 3. Pipes to direct the liquid and move it (Blood vessels)
State all the parts in the circulatory system

Define metabolic rate
The rate of chemical reactions in the body
What is blood made up of and what are the percentages?
Plasma 55%, Red blood cells 45%, White blood cells and platelets 1%
What is plasma?
- A straw coloured liquid - Contains a range of dissolved and suspended molecules
What are platelets?
- Small cell fragments which help to form clots preventing blood loss and infection
What are red blood cells function?
To transport oxygen
What shape are red blood cells and how does this increase the rate of diffusion?
Shape = Biconcave - This increases their Surface Area/Volume ratio - More efficient diffusion of oxygen
What do red blood cells contain and what happens when it combines with oxygen?
- Contains haemoglobin - Combines to form oxyhaemoglobin
What do red blood cells not have and why?
-They don’t have a nucleus - So more haemoglobin can be in each cell and therefore more oxygen can be transported (oxyhaemoglobin)
What is the function of the heart?
To pump blood around the body
State the cardiac cycle
- Right Atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the vena cava
- Moves through the right ventricle which is taken by the pulmonary artery to the lungs
- Left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary vein
- Oxygenated blood then moves through left ventricle which pumps it out round the whole body

What do valves do?
Prevent blood flowing in the wrong direction
What are the features of an artery?
Thick outer wall, small lumen, thick layer of muscles and elastic fibres
What are the features of a vein?
Thin outer wall, large lumen, thin layer of muscle and elastic fibres
What are the features of a capillary?
Very small lumen, Wall made of a single layer of cells
What do arteries transport?
Carry blood away from the heart to all regions of the body
What do veins transport?
Carry blood from organs back to the heart
What do capillaries transport?
Carry blood through organs