Human blood cells and blood vessels
I can describe how the structures of blood and blood vessels are adapted to their functions.
Human blood cells and blood vessels
I can describe how the structures of blood and blood vessels are adapted to their functions.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Blood contains blood cells suspended in a fluid called plasma.
- Red blood cells transport oxygen, and have a structure adapted to carry as much oxygen as possible.
- Plasma transports water, glucose and other nutrients, and waste products including carbon dioxide and urea.
- Arteries carry blood away from the heart; capillaries carry blood to/from cells; veins carry blood back to the heart.
- Arteries, capillaries and veins have structures adapted to their functions, including different vessel walls and valves.
Common misconception
The names of the blood vessels and their functions and adaptations are often confused. Students often forget or misunderstand red blood cell adaptations too.
Both these areas are covered in detail, with clear step-by-step information given and tasks to check learning and reinforce understanding.
Keywords
Red blood cell - A blood cell that uses haemoglobin to bind and transport oxygen.
Plasma - The fluid of the blood which carries blood cells and other substances.
Artery - Large blood vessels with thicker walls which transport blood away from the heart.
Vein - Large blood vessel which transports blood towards the heart.
Capillary - Narrow blood vessel which allows exchange of substances between tissue and blood.
Equipment
None
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
![An image in a quiz](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Foaknationalacademy-res.cloudinary.com%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Fv1714327495%2Fd9ipzn5age13rittzu5k.png&w=640&q=75)
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Artery -
blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart
Capillary -
where exchange of substances between blood and body cells takes place
Vein -
blood vessel that carries blood towards the heart