Circulatory Systems, Heart & Blood Vessels (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology): Exam Questions

A scientist investigated the effect of different types of activity on heart rate of participants aged 21 after they had completed the activity for 10 minutes. 

The results are shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

(i) State two control variables the scientist should have ensured throughout the investigation. 

[2]

(ii) Describe the results of the investigation.

[3]

Describe how the scientist could have measured and recorded heart rate. 

Extended

Explain the effect swimming has on heart rate.

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Fig. 1 shows a photomicrograph of human blood.

Fig. 1

Describe the differences in appearance and the functions of the three cells labelled in Fig. 1.

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Fig. 2 shows some of the stages of blood clotting.

Fig. 2

(i) Complete Fig. 2 by filling in the two empty boxes.

[1]

(ii) State two roles of blood clotting.

[2]

Fig. 1 shows a photomicrograph of some red blood cells.

Fig. 1

(i) State the function of a red blood cell.

[1]

(ii) State two ways in which a red blood cell is adapted to its function.

[2]

State the name of a component of blood that is responsible for clotting.

(i) State the name of the disease caused by a blockage in the arteries supplying the heart muscle.

[1]

(ii) List three risk factors that increase the risk of a blockage in the arteries supplying the heart muscle.

[3]

Fig. 2 is a diagram of the circulatory system. The blood vessels are labelled with letters. 

Fig. 2

Complete Table 1 by identifying the letter of the named blood vessel in Fig. 2.

Table 1

Describe how the structures of the circulatory system maintain a one-way flow of blood.

Compare the structural features of arteries and veins.

Fig. 1 below shows a structure in the mammalian lungs. The feature labelled P is an alveolus.

Identify the structure labelled Q.

State the function of the structure labelled Q in Fig. 1.

Suggest how the structure of capillaries enables efficient exchange of substances.

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of the heart with letters to identify some of the structures.

Identify the letter(s) of the structure(s) that:

(i) contain deoxygenated blood.

[1]

(ii) receive blood from the lungs.

[1]

(iii) are veins.

[1]

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State the name of the valve located between chambers F and H in Fig. 1.

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(i) Describe the location of the septum in the mammalian heart.

[1]

(ii) Explain the importance of the septum.

[1]

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Describe how the heart muscle and valves function to pump blood through the heart.

A student performed different types of activity.

She measured her heart rate during each type of activity in beats per minute (bpm).

The results are shown in Fig. 2.1.

(i)

State the type of activity that results in the highest heart rate in Fig. 2.1

[1]

(ii)

State the heart rate of the student when she was cycling.

................................................... bpm [1]

(iii)

Calculate the percentage increase in her heart rate between resting and walking.

.............................................................% [2]

Fig. 3.1 shows a photomicrograph of human blood.

Describe the differences in appearance and the functions of the three cells labelled in Fig. 3.1.

Fig. 3.2 shows some of the stages of blood clotting.

(i)

Complete Fig. 3.2 by filling in the two empty boxes.

[1]

(ii)

State two roles of blood clotting.

[2]

Mammals have a double circulation.

Fig. 2.1 is a diagram of a section through the heart of a mammal. The arrows show the direction of blood flow through the heart and blood vessels.

(i)

State the name of the chamber of the heart with the thickest wall.

[1]

(ii)

D is a vein. State the name of this vein and describe its structure.

name .................................................................................................

description of structure ..................................................

[3]

(iii)

Identify the structure labelled X in Fig. 2.1 and state its role in the heart.

[2]

Fig. 2.2 is a diagram that shows the double circulation of a mammal. The arrows indicate the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the blood.

(i) Shade the blood vessel in Fig. 2.2 that transports blood with the highest oxygen concentration.

[1]

(ii) Describe the evidence shown in Fig. 2.2 that the mammal has a double circulatory system.

[2]

(iii) Explain the advantages of a double circulation.

[4]

The activity of the heart can be monitored by measuring the pulse rate. 

State two other ways of monitoring the activity of the heart.

The blood has many components. 

Fig. 1 shows a micrograph of a blood smear. 

Fig. 1

On the diagram, identify a red blood cell and a white blood cell. 

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Platelets are a component of blood that have an important role in blood clotting. 

Describe the process of blood clotting by platelets. Include an explanation of the role played by the clot in protecting the body.

Blood clots can sometimes form in veins around the body. This is called a venous thromboembolism (VTE) and can be associated with postoperative complications following surgery.

Calculate the percentage decrease in VTE death rates between 2001 and 2017.

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Veins are a type of blood vessel found in mammals. 

Compare the structure and function of veins with that of arteries.

The coronary arteries supply the heart muscle tissue with blood.

Fig. 1 shows a coronary artery with a blockage. 

Fig. 1

Explain the effect this blockage could have on heart muscle cells.

A blocked coronary artery can lead to coronary heart disease. 

Table 1 shows information about blood flow through coronary arteries in two people.

Person X was diagnosed with coronary heart disease while person Y does not have coronary heart disease.

Table 1

(i) Explain the difference in blood flow through the coronary arteries for persons X and Y.

[1]

(ii) Calculate the volume of blood flowing through the coronary arteries of person X in 1 hour.

Give your answer in dm³.

[2]

A blockage of the coronary artery can be caused by fatty deposits called ‘plaques’. Drugs called statins can be taken to help prevent a blockage. 

Fig. 2 shows the effects of the treatment of one person with four different statins (A, B, C and D) over a period of 10 years. The arrows show when each new treatment was started.

Fig. 2

Determine a conclusion on the effectiveness of the statin treatments in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease for this person.

The data was used to generate a report with the claim: "Coronary heart disease can be cured by statins".

Evaluate the claim made. 

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Fig. 1 below shows the circulatory system of a fish.

Use Fig. 1 and your own knowledge to compare the structure of the fish circulatory system to that of mammals.

Gas exchange in fish occurs in structures known as gills.

Suggest how fish gills support efficient gas exchange.

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Researchers investigated the effect of stress on heart rate in fish. They decreased water levels in a fish tank until the fish dorsal fins were exposed to air, for a period of 5 minutes, while measuring heart rates. They found that fish heart rates increased during the stress period, and remained elevated for a period of time after water levels returned to normal.

Explain the benefit of an increased heart rate in fish in response to stress.