Circulatory System in Humans — Question 3
Back to all questionsQuestion 3
Why is a person with blood group O called a universal donor and a person with blood group AB called a universal recipient?
A person with blood group O is called a universal donor since his blood can be given to a person with any blood group. As blood group O has neither antigen A nor B so it doesn't cause self-clumping with any antibodies making it compatible with all blood groups.
A person with blood group AB is called a universal recipient since he can receive blood from a person with any blood group. As blood group AB has no antibodies, so there is no attack on the antigens of any blood group making it compatible to receive blood from all blood groups.
Circulatory System – Interactive Study Guide
The circulatory system transports blood, oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body. It consists of the heart (pump), blood (transport medium), and blood vessels (pipelines).
Blood Components
| Component | Function | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma (55%) | Transports dissolved substances | 90% water, carries nutrients, hormones, waste |
| RBC | Carry oxygen | Biconcave disc, no nucleus, contain haemoglobin |
| WBC | Fight infections | Have nucleus, larger than RBC, immune defence |
| Platelets | Blood clotting | Cell fragments, no nucleus |
Blood Group Quick Reference
O = Universal Donor (no antigens) | AB = Universal Recipient (no antibodies)
| Group | Antigen | Antibody |
|---|---|---|
| A | A | anti-B |
| B | B | anti-A |
| AB | A & B | None |
| O | None | anti-A & anti-B |
Heart – Quick Facts
- 4 chambers: RA, RV, LA, LV
- 4 valves: Tricuspid (R), Bicuspid (L), 2 Semilunar
- Septum divides right (deoxy) from left (oxy)
- Left ventricle = thickest wall
Double Circulation
Pulmonary: RV → Pulmonary artery → Lungs → Pulmonary veins → LA
Systemic: LV → Aorta → Body → Vena cava → RA
Blood Vessels Comparison
| Arteries | Veins | Capillaries | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direction | Away from heart | To heart | Connect A to V |
| Walls | Thick | Thin | 1 cell thick |
| Valves | No | Yes | No |
Self-Test Questions
- Why is the left ventricle wall thicker than the right?
- Draw and label the human heart.
- What is double circulation? Describe both circuits.
- Why is blood group O called universal donor?
- What is the function of valves in veins?