Transport in Animals

Name:

Content: Students will be able to...

explain the need for transport systems in multicellular animals in terms of size, level of activity and
surface area:volume ratio
explain the meaning of the terms single circulatory system and double circulatory system, with
reference to the circulatory systems of fish and mammals;
explain the meaning of the terms open circulatory system and closed circulatory system, with
reference to the circulatory systems of insects and fish;
describe, with the aid of diagrams and photographs, the external and internal structure of the
mammalian heart;
explain, with the aid of diagrams, the differences in the thickness of the walls of the different
chambers of the heart in terms of their functions;
describe the cardiac cycle, with reference to the action of the valves in the heart;
describe how heart action is coordinated with reference to the sinoatrial node (SAN), the
atrioventricular node (AVN) and the Purkyne tissue;
interpret and explain electrocardiogram (ECG) traces, with reference to normal and abnormal heart
activity;
describe, with the aid of diagrams and photographs, the structures and functions of arteries, veins
and capillaries;
explain the differences between blood, tissue fluid and lymph;
describe how tissue fluid is formed from plasma;
describe the role of haemoglobin in carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide;
describe and explain the significance of the dissociation curves of adult oxyhaemoglobin at different
carbon dioxide levels (the Bohr effect);
explain the significance of the different affinities of fetal haemoglobin and adult haemoglobin for
oxygen.

Collection of quantitative data:

 Investigate surface area to volume relationships using agar blocks and dye;

Collection and presentation of qualitative (descriptive) data:

 Make measurements and annotated drawings during a heart dissection

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Transport in Animals
Key Term Definition/Example/Diagram/Formula
Surface Area to
volume ratio

Single circulatory
System

Double Circulatory
System

Relationship Between Surface Area and Volume

Side Length Surface Area Volume (mm3) SA:V
(mm) (mm2)
1 6 1 6:1

2 24

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Single Circulatory

Double Circulatory System

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1. Figs. 1 and 2 are diagrams to show the internal structure of the heart and its associated
circulatory system in a simplified form. Fig. 1 represents the system for a mammal and
Fig. 2 that for a frog (an amphibian).

c a p illa r ie s in c a p illa r ie s in
lu n g s lu n g s

c a p illa r ie s in c a p illa r ie s in
re s t o f b o d y re s t o f b o d y

mammal frog

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Both systems are described as closed systems. The mammalian system is also described
as a complete double circulation but the frog as a partial double circulation.

(i) State what is meant by a closed system.

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[1]

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 (ii) Use the information in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 to suggest why the mammalian system is
called a complete double circulation whilst that of the frog is called a partial
double circulation.

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(iii) Suggest why the system shown for the frog may be less effective at supplying the
body tissues with oxygen.

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[2]

Heart Structure
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 Definition/Example/Diagram/Formula
Key Term
Atria

Ventricle

Vena Cava

Pulmonary Artery

Atrioventricular
Valves
Semi-Lunar Valves

Septum

Heart dissection
Safety
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At the end of the practical, the hearts and any material cut from them should be wrapped up and
disposed of safely. Students should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and hot water. Dissection
instruments and boards should be washed with disinfectant.

Apparatus and materials

• pig or sheep heart • blunt seeker
• dissection board • scalpel
• scissors • surgical gloves
• forceps • disinfectant

Introduction
In this practical, you will:
• identify the structures visible on the surface of the heart
• trace the pathway taken by blood as it flows through the heart
• dissect the heart to show how its structure enables it to carry out its function as a pump.

Procedure

1. Place the heart on a dissection board with the coronary vessels on the upper side. You
should be looking at the heart as seen from the front of the animal (a ventral view), as
shown in Figure 5.6 on page 65 of Biology 1. Check that the left ventricle is on the right-hand
side – it will feel solid when pressed. The right ventricle feels softer.

2. Use the photographs and drawings on page 65 of Biology 1 to help you identify the following
structures:
• left and right ventricles • pulmonary artery
• left and right atria • vena cava
• pulmonary veins • coronary arteries.

3. Cut away any surplus fat to expose the major blood vessels at the top of the heart.

4. Make a drawing of the heart to show the main external features. Draw a ventral view, with
the apex at the bottom of the drawing. Label and add a scale your drawing.

5. Cut into the vena cava and then through the right atrium. From there cut into the wall of the
right ventricle down to its base. Clear out any clotted blood. Open up the chambers and
wash out with water if necessary.
6. Examine the valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle. Measure the thickness
of the walls of the two chambers.

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7. Trace the pathway taken by blood as it leaves the right ventricle through the pulmonary
artery.
8. Cut down the pulmonary artery to expose the semilunar valves.
9. Make a drawing of your dissection of the right side of the heart. Label the drawing. Use
annotations to describe the appearance of the structures you have drawn and their
functions. Add a scale to your drawing.

10. Cut into the left atrium and then into the left ventricle as far as the apex of the heart. Open
the chambers and clean out as before.
11. Examine the valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Measure the thickness of
the walls of the two chambers.
12. Trace the pathway of blood as it leaves the left ventricle through the aorta.
13. Cut down the aorta to expose the semilunar valves. Find the origin of the coronary arteries
in the aorta.
14. Make a drawing of your dissection of the left side of the heart. Label the drawing. Use
annotations to describe the appearance of the structures you have drawn and their
functions. Add a scale to your drawing.

15. Record all your measurements of wall thickness in a suitable way.

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 16. When you have finished, dispose of the dissected material as instructed, wash the dissection
board and place the instruments into disinfectant. Wash your hands thoroughly.

Tasks:

1. Draw up a table to compare the structure and appearance of the four chambers of the heart.

2. In one complete circuit through the heart, how does the output of blood from any one of
these chambers compare with that from the other chambers?

3. Explain how the valves you have displayed in your dissection ensure that blood flows
through the heart.

4. Calculate the ratio between the thickness of the wall of the left ventricle and that of the wall
of the right ventricle.

Past Paper Question

The diagram below shows the internal structure of the mammalian heart and associated blood
vessels.

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 A

vena cava

s e p tu m
P u r k y n e t is s u e

(i) State the name of structures A and B.

A .....................................................................................................................

B .....................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) Use arrows on the diagram to show the direction of blood flow through the left
side of the heart.
[1]

(iii) Suggest how the heart would be affected if the Purkyne tissue ceased to function.

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(iv) The septum shown on the diagram completely separates the left and right sides
of the heart.

Explain why it is important that the two sides of the heart are completely
separated.

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[2]

2. The diagram below shows an artery lying on the surface of living heart muscle as seen
by an instrument called an endoscope. The lumen of the artery has become narrowed
at the point labelled Y.

The Forum on Ischaemic Heart Disease.

Reproduced by kind permission of Dr Graham Jackson,
Cardiology Unit, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.

(i) Name the artery shown in the diagram.

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[1]

Cardiac Cycle
Definition/Example/Diagram/Formula
Key Term
Lub-dub

Systole
11
Diastole

Useful animation: http://library.med.utah.edu/kw/pharm/hyper_heart1.html

Atrial Systole

Diastole
Ventricular Systole

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Past Paper Question
The cardiac cycle is the sequence of events which makes up one heart beat. The diagram
below shows the events in the heart during one heart beat. The heart is viewed from the side.

Z Y

In this question, one mark is available for the quality of spelling, punctuation and
grammar.

Using the information in the diagram, describe the sequence of events involved in one
heart beat.

You may annotate X, Y and Z in the diagram to help your answer. (Do not describe how
the beat is initiated and controlled.)

(Allow one lined page).

[6]
Quality of Written Communication [1]
[Total 7 marks]

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Electrical Activity of the Heart

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Key Term Definition/Example/Diagram/Formula
Sinoatrial Node

Atrioventricular
Node
Purkyne Tissue

Electrocardiogram

The changes in electrical activity that occur in the muscle of the heart wall during the
cardiac cycle can be recorded as an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Fig. 1 shows a normal ECG.

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Past Paper Question

• P represents activity in the atrial walls.

• R represents the contraction of the ventricles.

• T represents the recovery of the ventricle walls.

Fig. 2 shows an ECG from a person who has entered a condition known as fibrillation.

Fibrillation should be treated rapidly to increase the chances of survival.

e le c tr ic a l c h a n g e T
P P

0 0 .1 0 .2 0 .3 0 .4 0 .5 0 .6 0 .7 0 .8 0 .9 1 .0
tim e / s

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 Fig. 1

e le c tr ic a l c h a n g e

0 0 .1 0 .2 0 .3 0 .4 0 .5 0 .6 0 .7 0 .8 0 .9 1 .0
tim e / s

Fig. 2

Using the information in Figs. 1 and 2, suggest why a person with a fibrillating heart is
unlikely to survive for long if not treated.

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[Total 2 marks]

Blood Vessels

Key Term Definition/Example/Diagram/Formula

Peristalsis

Endothelium

Lumen

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18
Arteries, Veins and Capillaries Venn

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 Things in common Major Differences

Past Paper Questions

1. The diagram below shows the changes in the pressure of blood as it flows through
various parts of the mammalian blood system.

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15

p re s s u re
/ kP a
10

0
a rteries arterio les c a p illa r ie s v en u les v ein s

(a) The diagram shows that the pressure rises and falls in the arteries.

Explain what causes this rise and fall in pressure.

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(b) The diagram shows that:

• the rise and fall in pressure seen in the arteries is not evident by the time
the blood enters the capillaries

• the pressure is much lower by the time the blood enters the capillaries.

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 Explain what causes the changes described above.

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(c) Explain why it is important that the pressure is lower by the time blood reaches
the capillaries.

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(d) The pressure in veins is very low. Explain how the blood in veins is returned to the
heart.

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Tissue Fluid and Lymph

Key Term Definition/Example/Diagram/Formula

Plasma Proteins

Hydrostatic Pressure

Tissue Fluid

Leucocytes

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Feature Blood Tissue Fluid Lymph

Cells

Proteins

Fats

Glucose

Amino Acids

Oxygen

Carbon Dioxide

Past Paper Question

1. The table below contains information about various components of the mammalian circulatory
system.

blood in tissue blood in

lymph
aorta fluid vena cava
red blood cells many none many
white blood cells some some many
glucose concentration high high high
pressure high low low

(a) (i) Complete each of the shaded boxes in the table with the most appropriate
word.
[4]

(ii) Explain the differences recorded in the table for glucose and pressure.

glucose ...................................................................................................

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pressure .................................................................................................
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[4]

Oxygen

Key Term Definition/Example/Diagram/Formula

Haemoglobin

Oxyhaemoglobin

Affinity

Partial Pressure

Dissociation

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Past Paper Questions:
1. (a) Oxygen is carried around the bodies of mammals, bound reversibly to the
pigment haemoglobin. The pigment is found in both adult and fetal red blood
cells.

The graph below shows the dissociation curves for maternal and fetal
oxyhaemoglobin.

100

80
fe ta l

60
s a tu r a tio n o f m a te r n a l
h a e m o g lo b in
w ith o x y g e n / %
40

20

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
p a r tia l p r e s s u r e o f o x y g e n / k P a

(i) State the difference in the percentage saturation of haemoglobin with

oxygen between the fetal and the maternal blood at an oxygen partial
pressure of 3 kPa.

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[1]

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 (ii) Explain why the difference between the two curves is essential for the
survival of the fetus.

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[4]

(b) After birth, the adult form of haemoglobin gradually replaces the fetal form of
haemoglobin.

Suggest why this is necessary.

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[2]

2. The synthesis of red blood cells is stimulated by the hormone erythropoetin (EPO)
which is secreted by the kidneys. Some long distance athletes have been known to take
a course of EPO as part of a training programme.

Suggest why some athletes have taken erythropoetin.

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[Total 2 marks]

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Carbon-dioxide

Definition/Example/Diagram/Formula
Key Term
Carbaminohaemoglobin

Chloride Shift

Dissociation Curve

Bohr Effect

How carbon dioxide is converted to hydrogencarbonate ions

The Bohr Effect

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Past Paper Questions
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1. Use the most appropriate terms to complete the paragraph below about the role of
haemoglobin in the mammalian blood.

Haemoglobin, a pigment found in the blood of mammals, has an important role in the

transport of respiratory gases. Each haemoglobin molecule contains haem groups. In the

lungs, oxygen binds with the atom of ………………………… in each haem group. The

maximum number of molecules of oxygen that can be carried by one molecule of

haemoglobin is ………………………… . In areas like muscle tissue where the partial

pressure of oxygen is low, oxygen dissociates from the haem group. This dissociation is

increased by the presence of carbon dioxide; this is called the …………………………

………………………… . Most of the carbon dioxide produced in respiring tissues diffuses

into the red blood cells where the enzyme ………………………… ……………………

catalyses a reaction leading to the production of hydrogen ions and hydrogen carbonate

ions. The hydrogen ions combine very readily with haemoglobin to form a compound

known as ………………………… ………………………… . The effect of this is to increase

the release of oxygen from haemoglobin.

[Total 5 marks]

2. Fig. 1 shows the effect of two different partial pressures of carbon dioxide on the
dissociation curve for haemoglobin.

100

80 p a r tia l p r e s s u r e C O 2
5 .3 k P a

% s a t u r a t io n o f
h a e m o g lo b in 60
w ith o x y g e n

p a r tia l p r e s s u r e C O 2
40 1 0 .7 k P a

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0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
p a r t ia l p r e s s u r e o f o x y g e n / k P a
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 Fig. 1

(a) (i) Name the effect illustrated by the two curves.

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[1]

(ii) The steepest part of each curve in Fig. 1 is between the oxygen partial
pressures of 2 and 5 kPa.

Explain why it is important that this is so.

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[2]

(iii) Explain how the effect of increasing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide
from 5.3 to 10.7 kPa ensures a greater delivery of oxygen to exercising
muscle tissue.

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[2]

(b) The effect shown in Fig. 2 also increases the delivery of oxygen to exercising
muscle tissue.

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 100
te m p e ra tu re 3 7 º C
80

60 te m p e ra tu re 4 5 º C
% s a t u r a t io n o f
h a e m o g lo b in
w ith o x y g e n 40

20

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
p a r t ia l p r e s s u r e o f o x y g e n / k P a

Taken from 'Advanced Human Biology' by J. Simpkins and J.I. Williams

Fig 12.21, p233 (ISBN 0713527692)

Fig. 2

Suggest how exercising muscle tissue can bring about the changes seen in
Fig. 2.

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[2]

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