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Use labelled diagrams to distinguish between the structure of an artery and that of a capillary - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 24 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 24
Use labelled diagrams to distinguish between the structure of an artery and that of a capillary. Relate one structure of a capillary to its function.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Use labelled diagrams to distinguish between the structure of an artery and that of a capillary - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 24 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
Use labelled diagrams to distinguish between the structure of an artery and that of a capillary.
Answer
The structure of an artery and a capillary can be distinguished through their diagrams:
- Artery
- Thick muscular wall: The artery has a thick muscular wall to withstand high pressure from the heart's pumping action.
- Narrow lumen: The lumen of an artery is relatively narrow compared to its wall thickness.
- Capillary
- Wall one cell thick: The capillary wall is only one cell thick, allowing for efficient exchange of gases and nutrients.
- Wide lumen in proportion: The lumen is much narrower, facilitating the blood flow at lower pressures, promoting diffusion.
Step 2
Relate one structure of a capillary to its function.
Answer
One structure of a capillary is its one-cell-thick wall. This thin wall allows for the diffusion of small molecules such as oxygen and nutrients into tissues, and waste products out of the bloodstream, ensuring effective exchange between blood and surrounding cells.