TRANSPORT IN HUMANS

TRANSPORT IN HUMANS
The transport system in humans is responsible for carrying nutrients, oxygen, and waste products
throughout the body. The primary components are the circulatory system, the heart, blood
vessels, and blood.
Circulatory System
Humans have a closed circulatory system where blood circulates through a system of vessels,
ensuring that it reaches all body tissues efficiently.
Double Circulation in Mammals
Mammals have a double circulatory system, which means blood passes through the heart twice
during a full circuit of the body:
 Pulmonary Circulation: Carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for
oxygenation and returns oxygenated blood back to the heart.
 Systemic Circulation: Transports oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the
body and brings deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
This system is efficient as it maintains a high pressure in systemic circulation for effective
delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
The Heart
The heart is a muscular organ with four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left
atrium, and left ventricle. Blood flows in one direction, controlled by valves (e.g., tricuspid,
bicuspid, and semilunar valves).
Control of Blood Flow through the Heart
 Atria contract, pushing blood into the ventricles.

 Ventricles contract, forcing blood into the pulmonary artery (right side) or aorta (left
side).
 Valves prevent backflow, ensuring blood flows only from atria to ventricles and out to
the body or lungs.
Monitoring Heart Activity
 Pulse Rate: The rate at which the heart beats, usually measured in beats per minute
(bpm).
 Heart Sounds: Created by the closing of heart valves ("lub-dub" sounds), heard with a
stethoscope.
 ECG (Electrocardiogram): A graph showing the electrical activity of the heart, used to
monitor heart function and detect abnormalities.
Effect of Physical Activity on Heartbeat
Physical activity increases the body’s demand for oxygen and glucose, which:
 Increases Heart Rate: The heart pumps faster to supply muscles with more oxygen and
remove carbon dioxide.
 Increases Stroke Volume: More blood is pumped per beat to meet oxygen demand.
Why Physical Activity Affects Heart Rate
Exercise requires aerobic respiration for energy, increasing oxygen demand and carbon dioxide
production. The heart rate increases to deliver more oxygen to muscles and clear out waste
products efficiently.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Coronary heart disease occurs when coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart become
narrowed or blocked, often by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), leading to reduced oxygen
supply to heart muscles.
 Risk Factors:
o Diet: High in saturated fats and cholesterol can lead to plaque formation.
o Stress: Causes blood pressure spikes, which may damage artery walls.
o Smoking: Increases blood clotting, damages blood vessel walls, and reduces
oxygen supply.
o Genetics: Family history can increase risk.
o Age and Gender: Risk increases with age; males are generally at higher risk.
o Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise increases cholesterol and obesity risk.
 Prevention of CHD:
o A balanced diet low in saturated fats
o Regular physical activity
o Avoiding smoking
o Managing stress
o Regular health checkups for monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Blood Vessels
 Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except pulmonary arteries). They
have thick, elastic walls to withstand high pressure.
 Capillaries: Tiny vessels where exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs between
blood and tissues. Their walls are one cell thick to facilitate diffusion.
 Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart (except pulmonary veins). They have
thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow, as blood pressure is lower.
Blood
Blood is composed of several components, each serving a specific role:
 Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Transport oxygen using hemoglobin. They have a biconcave
shape to increase surface area and lack a nucleus for more space.
 White Blood Cells (WBCs): Defend against infections. Types include:
o Phagocytes: Engulf and digest pathogens.
o Lymphocytes: Produce antibodies to target pathogens.
 Platelets: Small cell fragments involved in blood clotting. They form a clot to seal
wounds and prevent blood loss.
 Plasma: The liquid part of blood that transports nutrients, hormones, waste products, and
heat around the body.

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TRANSPORT IN HUMANS

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TRANSPORT IN HUMANS

Double Circulation in Mammals

Control of Blood Flow through the Heart

 Atria contract, pushing blood into the ventricles.

Monitoring Heart Activity

Why Physical Activity Affects Heart Rate

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

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