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Circulatory systems: exam questions

5 questions, 13 marks. Write your answers on paper, then open each mark scheme.

Spec 9.1Questions and mark scheme (PDF)3 pages

Question 1

Which statement describes the circulatory system?

  1. A pump and valves only
  2. Blood vessels, a pump and valves that ensure one-way flow of blood
  3. Blood vessels and a pump that allow blood to flow in both directions
  4. A pump that moves blood and air
[1 mark]
Show mark scheme for question 1

Answer: B (1) Vessels, pump and valves for one-way flow

Question 2

(a) Name the pump of the circulatory system. [1] (b) State the job of valves in the circulatory system. [1]

[2 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 2
  • heart (1)
  • stop blood flowing backwards / ensure one-way flow of blood (1)

Question 3

Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean

Describe the single circulation of a fish.

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 3
  • blood is pumped from the heart to the gills (1)
  • then flows to the body / organs (1)
  • then returns to the heart / passes through the heart once per circuit (1)

Question 4

Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean

Describe the double circulation of a mammal, starting with blood leaving the right ventricle.

[4 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 4
  • right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs (1) allow via pulmonary artery
  • blood returns to the left atrium (1) allow via pulmonary vein
  • left ventricle pumps blood to the body (1) allow via aorta
  • blood returns to the right atrium (1) allow via vena cava

Question 5

Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean

Explain the advantages of a double circulation compared with a single circulation.

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 5
  • blood returns to the heart after the lungs (1)
  • so can be pumped again / pressure is increased (1)
  • blood reaches body at high pressure so substances are delivered faster (1)
  • lower pressure in the lungs does not damage capillaries (1)
  • mammals have a high (metabolic / respiration) rate so need fast oxygen supply (1)
  • Max 3
Stuck on one?Read the notesFlashcards