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Explain how the human circulatory system is adapted to: - supply oxygen to the tissues - remove waste products from tissues. - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 10 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 10
Explain how the human circulatory system is adapted to: - supply oxygen to the tissues - remove waste products from tissues.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain how the human circulatory system is adapted to: - supply oxygen to the tissues - remove waste products from tissues. - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 10 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
supply oxygen to the tissues
Answer
The human circulatory system is adapted to supply oxygen to the tissues through several key features:
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Dual Circulatory System: This system includes both a pulmonary circuit and a systemic circuit, allowing for higher blood pressure and more efficient oxygen delivery.
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Heart Structure: The heart consists of specialized cardiac muscle that contracts to pump blood efficiently. The left side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood through the aorta to the body tissues.
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Red Blood Cells: These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen. Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, releasing it where it is needed.
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Capillary Network: Capillaries, which are small blood vessels, allow for easy exchange of gases. They provide a large surface area and short distance for oxygen diffusion into tissue cells.
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High Surface Area: The extensive branching of the capillary network maximizes the area available for oxygen transfer, ensuring tissues receive adequate oxygen supply.
Step 2
remove waste products from tissues
Answer
The circulatory system is also effective in removing waste products, particularly carbon dioxide, from tissues:
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Capillary Function: In the capillary beds, carbon dioxide produced by cellular respiration diffuses from the tissues into the blood due to a concentration gradient.
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Transport via Plasma: Carbon dioxide is transported back to the lungs mainly dissolved in the plasma or as bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), which is formed in red blood cells.
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Pulmonary Circulation: The right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries, where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen.
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Efficient Removal: The dual circulatory system ensures that waste products are efficiently removed from the tissues and expelled through the lungs during exhalation and by filtering through the kidneys.