3.3.4.1 Mass Transport in Animals

Blood

A tissue consisting of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Platelets

Small cell fragments involved in blood clotting, lacking a nucleus.

Red Blood Cells

Cells containing haemoglobin that transport oxygen; have a lifespan of about 120 days.

Haemoglobin

A blood pigment with a high affinity for oxygen, facilitating oxygen transport.

Biconcave Disc Shape

The shape of red blood cells that increases surface area and shortens diffusion pathways.

Oxygen Loading

The process of haemoglobin binding to oxygen in the lungs.

Oxygen Dissociation Curve

A graph showing the relationship between oxygen saturation and partial pressure of oxygen.

Bohr Effect

The phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide levels reduce haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Double Circulatory System

A system where blood passes through the heart twice, typical in mammals.

Atria

The upper chambers of the heart that collect blood and have thin, elastic walls.

Ventricles

The lower chambers of the heart with thicker muscular walls that pump blood.

Cardiac Cycle

The complete sequence of contraction and relaxation of the heart.

Stroke Volume

The volume of blood pumped from one ventricle during each contraction.

Cardiac Output

The total volume of blood pumped from one ventricle per minute; calculated as Stroke Volume x Heart Rate.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients.

Heart Disease

A condition that leads to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to coronary heart disease (CHD).

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart at high pressure.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels that facilitate the exchange of metabolic materials between blood and tissues.

Tissue Fluid

Fluid that surrounds cells, containing oxygen, glucose, and ions, facilitating nutrient exchange.

Lymphatic Vessels

Vessels that drain excess tissue fluid and return it to the bloodstream.