Part 1: Single and Double

Circulatory systems
 Levels of Organisation (from Year 9)

CELLS are the smallest structural and

functional unit of every organism.

Groups of cells with similar structures,

performing a shared function form a TISSUE.

An ORGAN is a structure made up of a group

of tissues, working together to perform a
specific function.

Several organs with related functions working

together to perform a body function form an
ORGAN SYSTEM.

Groups of organs systems together make up

an ORGANISM.
Why is it called the ‘circulatory system’?

Organs:
CELLS Heart
are the + Vessels
smallest (these
structural and are
considered
functional unittoofbe tubular-like
every organism.
organs)
Groups of cells with similar structures,
Related
performingfunctions – a pump
a shared function form athat
TISSUE.
pushes blood around the body,
An ORGAN isoxygen
delivering a structure made up ofcells,
to respiring a group
of tissues,provide
vessels working together to perform
a transport system a
specific function.
for blood ensuring one-way flow!
Several organs with related functions
working together to perform a body function
form an ORGAN SYSTEM.

Groups of organs systems together make up

an ORGANISM.
Amoeba: unicellular Tapeworm: flatworm Earthworm: round and
protozoan 1mm thick. segmented worm.
Functions of the Circulatory System
To carry O…………….. to all the cells in the body

To carry F…………. to all the cells in the body

To remove W…………… from the cells of the body

To distribute H……………. around the body

To form part of the D……………….. the body has against

microbes (harmful organisms)

To H………………. itself and prevent blood loss by clotting

Study the diagram:
Why do you think this is called a
single circulatory system?

Blood has to pass through two

capillary systems, those of the gills
and the body, before returning to the
Heart. This results in a marked drop
in blood pressure before the blood
completes a circuit - exchange of
materials is not so good; adequate
for fish but not mammals.

*Single links to heart with 2

chambers
Study the diagram:
Why do you think this is called a
double circulatory system?

Bonus Q1) Describe the pathway

that the blood takes during one
circulation.

Bonus Q2) What are the advantages

of this system?
• A suitable medium in which to carry materials. This is
normally a liquid based on water i.e.…………………………..

• A closed system of tubular vessels that contains the transport

medium i.e.…………………………..

• A mechanism for moving the transport medium within the

vessels i.e.…………………………..

• A mechanism to maintain the flow of the medium in one

direction i.e.…………………………..

• A means of controlling the flow to meet the changing needs

of the organism i.e.…………………………..
By meticulous dissection and
ingenious experiments Harvey
showed that the blood flows away
from the heart in arteries and
returned in veins.

On tying a ligature around the upper

arm, the valves in the veins show up
as small swellings. If blood is pushed
up to a point above one of these
swellings, it fails to flow back even if
pushed, indicating that the normal
direction of blood flow is towards the
base of the arm.

However, he was unable to

demonstrate the existence of vessels
connecting the arteries and veins.
Conduct some research into the historical discoveries of
circulation including contributions from the following six
people: Galen, Harvey, Malphigi, de Vinci, Vesalius and
Fabricius. A mini timeline would be useful