This key facts covers Blood Vessels: Structure and Function within The Heart and Circulation for GCSE Biology. Heart structure, cardiac cycle, blood vessels, double circulation, heart rate control, and cardiovascular health It is section 5 of 15 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Blood Vessels: Structure and Function
| Feature | Arteries | Veins | Capillaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Carry blood away from heart | Carry blood to heart | Allow exchange of materials |
| Pressure | High (systolic/diastolic) | Low (steady flow) | Very low |
| Wall Thickness | Thick muscular walls | Thin walls | One cell thick |
| Valves | Only at heart exit | Many valves throughout | None |
| Blood Type | Usually oxygenated* | Usually deoxygenated* | Changes during exchange |
*Exception: Pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood, pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood
Practice questions for The Heart and Circulation
How many chambers does the human heart have?
Explain how the structure of an artery is related to its function.
Quick recall flashcards
What is systole?
When the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the ventricles
What is diastole?
When the heart relaxes and the chambers fill with blood