Structure and Function of blood vessels worksheet

1. Why do mammals need a circulatory system?

2. Which blood vessels supply the heart with blood?
3. State the type of blood vessel that has no collagen in
its wall
4. Give two ways in which the composition of blood
changes as it flows through the vessels labelled X on
the diagram
5. Describe the structure of an artery
6.
a. Name the blood vessels that have valves in them
b. What is the function of the valves
7. Explain how the structure of capillaries enables them
to carry out metabolic exchange efficiently.
8. Arteries and capillaries are blood vessel adapted for specific roles in the circulatory
system. Give two differences between the structure of an artery and a capillary. (2
marks)
9. The circulatory system is also known as a mass transport system. What is meant by
this term?
10.Explain how the structure of a vein relates to its function. (4 marks)
11.Explain how the structure of an artery wall is adapted both to withstand and to
maintain high blood pressure. (3 marks)
12.Marfan syndrome is a disorder that affects elastic tissue. Mutations in the FBN1 gene
can cause Marfan syndrome. The FBN1 gene codes for a protein called fibrillin-1.
Fibrillin-1 is involved in the formation of elastic fibres in the walls of blood vessels.
Explain how Marfan syndrome affects the structure and function of an artery. (2
marks)
Answers
1. Mammals have a low surface area: volume ratio so they need specialized mass
transport systems to carry substances from specialised exchange organs to their body
cells
2. Coronary arteries
3. Capillary
4. increased oxygen decreased carbon dioxide
5. Has a thick muscular wall with elastic tissue, collagen and smooth muscle, a small
lumen, and no valves
6.
a. Veins
b. To stop the backflow of blood
7. Their walls are only one cell thick to allow efficient
diffusion of substances (e.g. glucose and oxygen).
Capillaries form networks called capillary beds which
provide a large surface area for exchange.
8. 1 mark for each correct row on the table.
9. Movement of fluid in one direction
10.Large lumen to reduce resistance to blood flow back to
the heart (1)
Valves prevent backflow of blood (1)
Thin layer of elastic tissue to maintain blood pressure (1)
Smooth endothelium to reduce resistance to blood flow (1)
Thin walls as blood pressure is lower in veins (1)
11.More collagen provides strength to withstand pressure (1)
Contraction of muscle allows constriction of lumen (1)
Elastic fibres allow stretch and recoil of lumen back to original size (1)
12.An explanation that makes reference to: Less elastic tissue in the walls (1), so
reduced ability to maintain blood pressure/reduced elastic recoil (1)