Exchange Surfaces - Year 11 Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts about exchange surfaces and the structures involved in both the circulatory and digestive systems.

What are the three types of blood vessels in the circulatory system?

Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

What is the role of villi in the small intestine?

Villi increase the surface area for digestion and absorption.

What are essential nutrients?

Nutrients that cannot be synthesized by the organism and must be obtained from an external source.

How does the structure of capillaries facilitate nutrient exchange?

Capillaries have a single layer of thin, flat cells, allowing for efficient delivery of gases, nutrients, and wastes.

What is peristalsis?

Muscular contractions that move food through the alimentary canal.

What is the main function of the circulatory system?

To facilitate the movement of materials around the body.

What increases when food particles get smaller during digestion?

The surface area to volume (SA:V) ratio.

What is the function of bile in digestion?

Bile physically breaks down large fat particles into small droplets.

Which part of the small intestine is primarily involved in the absorption of nutrients?

The ileum.

What structural feature of blood in capillaries aids in gas exchange?

The large surface area to volume ratio of capillaries.