Topic 9 of 21 · 4 modules planned

Transport in animals

The heart, blood vessels and blood: the body’s transport system and how to keep it healthy.

Modules

Module 1 · syllabus 9.1, 9.2
The heart and double circulation
Why does blood pass through a mammal’s heart twice?
This module is planned. It will have readings, an experiment, practice with self-checks and a final check.

Syllabus statements for this topic · for teachers · 28 statements

Core for every pupil · Supplement also for Extended entry. Paraphrased from the Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus (2026–2028); check the official syllabus for exact wording.

9.1 Circulatory systems

9.1.1Circulatory system: vessels, pump and valvesC
9.1.2Single circulation of a fishS
9.1.3Double circulation of a mammalS
9.1.4Advantages of a double circulationS

9.2 Heart

9.2.1Identify structures of the mammalian heartC
9.2.2Arteries carry blood away, veins return itC
9.2.3Monitoring the heart: ECG, pulse, valve soundsC
9.2.4Investigate exercise and heart rateC
9.2.5Coronary heart disease and its risk factorsC
9.2.6Diet and exercise reduce heart disease riskC
9.2.7Identify atrioventricular and semilunar valvesS
9.2.8Relative thickness of heart chamber wallsS
9.2.9Septum separates oxygenated and deoxygenated bloodS
9.2.10Heart action: muscle contraction and valvesS
9.2.11Explain why exercise raises heart rateS

9.3 Blood vessels

9.3.1Structure of arteries, veins and capillariesC
9.3.2Functions of capillariesC
9.3.3Main vessels of heart, lungs and kidneysC
9.3.4Artery and vein structure related to pressureS
9.3.5Capillary structure related to functionS
9.3.6Hepatic artery, hepatic veins, hepatic portal veinS

9.4 Blood

9.4.1Components of bloodC
9.4.2Identify red and white blood cellsC
9.4.3Functions of the blood componentsC
9.4.4Why blood clotsC
9.4.5Identify lymphocytes and phagocytesS
9.4.6Lymphocytes make antibodies; phagocytes engulf pathogensS
9.4.7Clotting: fibrinogen to fibrin meshS