Transport in Animals

These flashcards cover key concepts in the transport systems of animals, including circulation, respiration, and biophysical principles.

Pulmonary circulation

The process by which blood returns to the heart from the body, entering the right atrium, flowing to the right ventricle, being pumped to the lungs, and then returning to the left atrium from the lungs.

Systemic circulation

The pathway in which oxygenated blood is pumped from the left ventricle to the body and returns to the right atrium.

Aerobic respiration

The process by which eukaryotic life forms use oxygen to produce energy (ATP) to support metabolic needs.

Fick's law of diffusion

A law that describes the rate of gas diffusion across a barrier is proportional to the area available for gas exchange and the difference in partial pressure, and inversely proportional to the distance (thickness of the barrier).

Active transport

The movement of substances against the concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Open circulatory system

A system where the transport fluid (hemolymph) is not confined exclusively to blood vessels and flows through sinuses surrounding the organs.

Closed circulatory system

A system where blood is contained within vessels and is pumped efficiently through arteries and veins.

Countercurrent exchange

A process in fish gills where oxygen-rich water flows over gills as oxygen-poor blood flows through capillaries in the opposite direction, maximizing oxygen uptake.

Diffusion

The movement of substances down their concentration gradient, a passive transport process.

Metabolism

The sum of all biochemical processes within an organism, involving energy production and consumption.