Life Processes

Circulatory
System.
The Blood Vessels:

The blood vessels of the circulatory

system would be subdivided into

Arteries

Veins

Capillaries
 Arteries
Things to(away)
note:
(i)All arteries lead away from the heart
(ii)All arteries carry oxygenated blood
with the exception of the pulmonary
artery.
(iii)Arteries have a thick elastic arterial
wall that can withstand the pressure of
the blood flowing away from the heart.
 Veins:
Things to note:

(i)All veins lead toward the heart

(ii)All veins carry deoxygenated blood
with the exception of the pulmonary
vein.
(iii)Veins have semi lunar valves that
prevent the backflow of blood
Differences between arteries and veins.
Arteries carry oxygenated blood, away from the
heart except pulmonary artery
These are mostly deeply situated in the body
These are thick-walled, highly muscular except
arteries of cranium and vertebral column
These posses narrow lumen
Valves are absent
These are reddish in color
These show spurty movement of blood giving pulse
Blood in arteries moves with pressure
Arteries empty up at the time of death
If arterial wall is injured, the blood comes out like a
‘fountain’ in a large area all around the artery
 Differences between arteries and veins
continued.
Veins:
1.Veins carry deoxygenated blood, towards the heart except pulmonary veins
2.These are superficial and deep in location
3.These are thin-walled
4.These posses wide lumen
5.Valves are present which provide unidirectional flow of blood
6.These are bluish in color
7.These show sluggish movement of blood
8.Blood in veins moves under very low pressure
9.Veins get filled up at time of death
10.If venous wall is injured, blood comes out,
collects in a pool in a small area around vein
 Capillaries:
Capillaries are only one cell
thick, they are very leaky.
This is ideal since
substances e.g. Oxygen and
glucose must pass out and
carbon dioxide move in
The Human Heart:
The human heart is a muscular
pump that pushes blood around
the body it is made up of a type
of muscle called cardiac muscle.