Year 8 Science: Functioning Organisms Study Guide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the Respiratory, Circulatory, and Plant Transport systems for Year 8 Science.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Diaphragm

The muscle that facilitates breathing by changing the volume of the chest cavity.

Asthma

A condition that affects breathing and can impact a person's ability to exercise.

Oxygenated blood

Blood that is rich in oxygen, having traveled from the lungs.

Deoxygenated blood

Blood that is low in oxygen, returning from the body to the heart and lungs.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart, containing valves to prevent backflow.

Capillaries

The smallest blood vessels where exchange between blood and body cells takes place.

Valves

Structures found in veins that prevent the backflow of blood.

Red blood cells

Blood components specialized for carrying oxygen.

White blood cells

Blood components responsible for fighting infection and maintaining the immune system.

Platelets

Small cell fragments in the blood that help with blood clotting.

Plasma

The liquid part of the blood that carries cells, nutrients, and waste.

Pulmonary artery

The vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Pulmonary vein

The vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

Xylem

Plant tissue responsible for the transport of water.

Phloem

Plant tissue responsible for the transport of nutrients and sugars.

Stomata

Small openings on the surface of plant leaves that regulate gas exchange.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants produce energy, which can be limited by a lack of water.