IGCSEBiologyCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes9. Transport in AnimalsCirculatory Systems, Heart & Blood VesselsCirculation Around the Body

Circulation Around the Body (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 0610 & 0970

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Updated on 28 August 2026

Main blood vessels in the body

Blood is carried away from the heart and towards organs in arteries
These narrow into arterioles and then capillaries as they pass through the organ
The capillaries widen to venules and finally veins as they move away from the organs
Veins carry blood back toward the heart

Diagram of human double circulation showing heart, lungs and the major arteries and veins linking liver, gut, kidneys and other organs — **The circulatory system**

Important blood vessels table

Organ	Towards organ	Away from organ
Heart	Vena cava and pulmonary vein	Aorta and pulmonary artery
Lungs	Pulmonary artery	Pulmonary vein
Kidneys	Renal artery	Renal vein

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Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Content Creator

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Reviewer: Jenna Quinn

Expertise: Content Creator

Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.