Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · The circulatory system

The circulatory system — practice question

Capillaries are referred to as exchange vessels. As blood moves through the capillaries, substances are exchanged between the blood and tissue fluid. Fig. 1.1 is an electron micrograph of a capillary section containing two red blood cells.
(a(i))[2]

State the identity of the cell labelled A and the structure labelled B.

(a(ii))[2]

Calculate the true distance X-Y on Fig. 1.1. Show your working and give your answer to the nearest micrometre ($\mu\text{m}$).

(a(iii))[2]

Explain the ways in which capillaries are adapted to act as exchange vessels.

(b)[5]

Table 1.1 gives the composition of blood, tissue fluid and lymph. Explain how the compositions of blood, tissue fluid and lymph differ in Table 1.1 with reference to white blood cells, glucose and protein.

(c)[3]

Outline the role of red blood cells in the transport of carbon dioxide.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: A is an endothelial cell / squamous epithelial cell / epithelial cell

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