IGCSEScienceCambridge (CIE)Combined ScienceBiologyRevision Notes9. Transport in AnimalsCirculatory Systems, Heart & Blood VesselsThe Mammalian Heart

The Mammalian Heart (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science: Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 0653

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Updated on

Cambridge (CIE) Combined Science: BiologyCambridge (CIE) Biology

The mammalian heart

  • The heart is labelled as if it was in the chest, so the left on a diagram is actually the right-hand side

  • The right side of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs

  • The left side of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the body

  • Blood is pumped towards the heart in veins and away from the heart in arteries

  • The two sides of the heart are separated by a muscle wall called the septum

  • The heart is made of muscle tissue which are supplied with blood by the coronary arteries

Diagram of the human heart labelled with chambers, valves and major vessels, showing red and blue arrows for oxygenated and deoxygenated blood flow through the heart.
Structure of the human heart

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Remember A-A: Arteries carry blood Away from the heart

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Author
Reviewer
Lára Marie McIvor

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.

Jenna Quinn

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.