The circulatory system
(a) (i) State the type of blood vessel that carries blood to the heart - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 5
The circulatory system
(a) (i) State the type of blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.
(ii) Explain how blood is prevented from flowing backwards in the he... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The circulatory system
(a) (i) State the type of blood vessel that carries blood to the heart - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
State the type of blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.
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Answer
The type of blood vessel that carries blood to the heart is a vein, specifically the superior and inferior vena cava.
Step 2
Explain how blood is prevented from flowing backwards in the heart.
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Answer
Blood is prevented from flowing backwards in the heart by the presence of valves. These valves only open in one direction, allowing blood to flow from the atria to the ventricles and subsequently out of the heart. When the heart contracts, the valves close, preventing any backflow.
Step 3
Suggest why the heart can be referred to as a 'double-pump'.
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Answer
The heart can be referred to as a 'double-pump' because it consists of two separate sides, the right and left. The right side pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, while the left side pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.