Transport in mammals

Heart, artery, veins and capillaries

What are arteries

Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body. They have a small lumen and thick, muscular walls to withstand high pressure from the blood pumped by the heart.

What are veins

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood to the heart from the tissues of the body. They have thinner walls and larger lumen than arteries and have a valves to prevent backflow.

What is a one way valve.

A one-way valve is a device that permits fluid to flow in only one direction. It features flaps that open with forward flow and close after to prevent backflow.

Characteristics of a heart

Fist size muscular pump, four chambers, recirculates blood in the body and made out of cardiac muscle.

What are the four chambers in the heart.

Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium and left ventricle.

How the circulatory system works

Vena cava → Right atrium → Right ventricle → Pulmonary Artery →Pulmonary Vein → Left Atrium → Left Ventricle.

What is cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat like substance that is used for hormone production, cell membranes and digestion.

How do clogged arteries occur

Clogged arteries happen when cholesterol, fatty deposits lead to plaque build up on the arteries walls , narrowing passages and restricting blood flow.

Factors affecting cardio vascular health.

Age, diet, fitness, illness and drug intake

Factors affecting coronary heart disease (CHD)

Sex, Diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and genetic predisposition.

What is blood?

Liquid mixture of blood plasma carrying dissolved nutrients (e.g., glucose) and waste (e.g., urea), red blood cells that carry oxygen, platelets for blood clotting, and white blood cells for immunity.