The circulatory system

What effect does adrenaline have on the heart?

Adrenaline increases the heart rate (beats per minute) and stroke volume (the volume of blood pumped with each beat). This prepares us for 'fight or flight', allowing increased amounts of oxygen and glucose to reach the tissues.

Which type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart at high pressure. The pulmonary artery is unusual because the blood it contains is deoxygenated.

Which type of blood vessel has a 'pulse'?

Arteries have a pulse. They carry blood at high pressure away from the heart. Each heart beat pushes blood along giving the pulse we can feel.

Which of these is a common risk factor for heart disease?

Being overweight is a common risk factor for heart disease. Having high blood pressure and taking little exercise are also risk factors.

From which chamber of the heart does blood leave to go to the lungs?

Blood leaves the right ventricle and through the pulmonary artery to go to the lungs.

Which valve prevents blood flowing back into the left atrium from the left ventricle?

The bicuspid valve prevents blood flowing back into the left atrium from the left ventricle. Blood is stopped from flowing back from the aorta by a semi-lunar valve, and from the right atrium to the right ventricle by the tricuspid valve.

In coronary heart disease, what are the fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries called?

The fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries in coronary heart disease are called plaques.

What sort of circulatory system is the human circulatory system?

The human circulatory system is a double circulatory system. It has a 'pulmonary system' involving the heart and lungs, and a 'systemic system' involving the heart and other organs.

Which chamber produces the highest pressure in the blood?

The left ventricle produces the highest blood pressure. It has the thickest walls and must pump blood to the whole of the body (apart from the lungs).

Which type of blood vessel has valves inside?

Veins have 'watch-pocket' valves inside to keep the blood moving in one direction only.