Assertion (A): Blood is the fluid medium of the human circulatory system, responsible for transporting nutrients and excretory wastes, but it does not carry oxygen or carbon dioxide gases.
Reason (R): Oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are transported through the lymph vessels from one part of the body to the other since they are in gaseous states.
- Both A and R are true.
- Both A and R are false.
- A is true and R is false.
- A is false and R is true.
Both A and R are false.
Explanation — Blood is responsible for transporting nutrients and excretory wastes, along with the respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) throughout the body. Lymph vessels do not carry the respiratory gases as lymph contains WBCs only. Absence of RBCs (i.e. Haemoglobin) makes them unable to carry oxygen or carbon dioxide.
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?