Mammalian Circulation (AQA A Level Biology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7402
Blood circulation in mammals
The mammalian circulatory system is a mass transport system that ensures that the cells of mammals receive a constant supply of reactants for metabolism, e.g.:
oxygen
glucose
The circulatory system in mammals is a closed circulatory system, in which blood flows inside enclosed vessels
In an open circulatory system, blood is not contained within blood vessels but is pumped directly into body cavities, e.g. in insects
Mammalian circulation is also described as a double circulatory system: for each complete circuit of the body, blood passes through the heart twice
The left side of the heart pumps blood around the body; this is the systemic circulatory system
The right side of the heart pumps blood deoxygenated blood to the lungs for gas exchange; this is the pulmonary circulatory system
Blood vessel | Associated organ(s) | Function |
|---|---|---|
Coronary arteries | Heart | Supply the heart with oxygenated blood |
Aorta | Heart | Carries oxygenated blood out of the heart and towards the body |
Vena cava | Heart | Carries deoxygenated blood into the heart from the body |
Pulmonary artery | Heart, lungs | carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart, towards the lungs |
Pulmonary vein | Heart, lungs | Carries oxygenated blood away from the lungs, towards the heart |
Renal artery | Heart, kidneys | Supplies the kidneys with oxygenated blood |
Renal vein | Heart, kidneys | Carries deoxygenated blood away from the kidneys, towards the heart |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The pulmonary vein is the only vein in the circulatory system that contains oxygenated blood.
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