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3 Dec 2025

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AQA GCSE Biology: Understanding the Circulatory System

G

George @george_aakl

Your heart is basically a powerful pump that never stops working, pushing blood around your body 24/7. Understanding... Show more

AQA GCSE Biology Topic 2 Organisation
Circulatory System - The Heart
Blood flow through the heart
1. Blood flows into the two atria from the

The Heart and Blood Vessels

Ever wonder how your heart manages to pump blood to every single cell in your body? The process is surprisingly straightforward! Blood flows into the two upper chambers (atria) from major veins, then gets squeezed down into the lower chambers (ventricles), which pump it back out to your organs.

Arteries are like motorways for blood - they carry it away from your heart at high pressure. That's why they need thick, muscular walls with elastic fibres that can stretch and bounce back. Think of them as high-pressure hoses that need to be strong enough not to burst.

When arteries reach your tissues, they branch into tiny capillaries - these are where the real action happens. They're incredibly thin (just one cell thick) and have permeable walls, making it super easy for oxygen and nutrients to slip out to your cells whilst carbon dioxide and waste slip back in.

Veins bring blood back to your heart, but by now the pressure's much lower. They've got bigger internal spaces and special valves to keep blood flowing in the right direction - a bit like one-way gates preventing backflow.

Quick Tip Remember that arteries carry blood away from the heart - both words start with 'A'!

AQA GCSE Biology Topic 2 Organisation
Circulatory System - The Heart
Blood flow through the heart
1. Blood flows into the two atria from the

Blood Components

Blood isn't just red liquid - it's actually a complex tissue made up of different components floating in a straw-coloured liquid called plasma. Each part has a specific job that keeps you alive and healthy.

Red blood cells are your body's delivery service for oxygen. They're shaped like doughnuts without holes (biconcave), which gives them loads of surface area to pick up oxygen. They're packed with haemoglobin - the red stuff that actually carries the oxygen - and don't have a nucleus so there's more room for this vital protein.

White blood cells are your personal bodyguards, fighting off nasty microorganisms in three main ways. They can literally eat invaders (phagocytosis), produce antibodies to target specific threats, and make antitoxins to neutralise any poisonous substances. Unlike red blood cells, these do have a nucleus.

Platelets are tiny cell fragments that act like natural plasters. When you get cut, they clump together to form clots, stopping bleeding and keeping germs out. Plasma carries everything around - from nutrients and hormones to waste products heading for disposal.

Remember You can calculate blood flow rate by dividing the volume of blood by the number of minutes - useful for exam calculations!

We thought you’d never ask...

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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Biology

536

3 Dec 2025

2 pages

AQA GCSE Biology: Understanding the Circulatory System

G

George

@george_aakl

Your heart is basically a powerful pump that never stops working, pushing blood around your body 24/7. Understanding how your circulatory system works is crucial for GCSE Biology - and it's actually pretty fascinating once you see how perfectly designed... Show more

AQA GCSE Biology Topic 2 Organisation
Circulatory System - The Heart
Blood flow through the heart
1. Blood flows into the two atria from the

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Heart and Blood Vessels

Ever wonder how your heart manages to pump blood to every single cell in your body? The process is surprisingly straightforward! Blood flows into the two upper chambers (atria) from major veins, then gets squeezed down into the lower chambers (ventricles), which pump it back out to your organs.

Arteries are like motorways for blood - they carry it away from your heart at high pressure. That's why they need thick, muscular walls with elastic fibres that can stretch and bounce back. Think of them as high-pressure hoses that need to be strong enough not to burst.

When arteries reach your tissues, they branch into tiny capillaries - these are where the real action happens. They're incredibly thin (just one cell thick) and have permeable walls, making it super easy for oxygen and nutrients to slip out to your cells whilst carbon dioxide and waste slip back in.

Veins bring blood back to your heart, but by now the pressure's much lower. They've got bigger internal spaces and special valves to keep blood flowing in the right direction - a bit like one-way gates preventing backflow.

Quick Tip: Remember that arteries carry blood away from the heart - both words start with 'A'!

AQA GCSE Biology Topic 2 Organisation
Circulatory System - The Heart
Blood flow through the heart
1. Blood flows into the two atria from the

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Blood Components

Blood isn't just red liquid - it's actually a complex tissue made up of different components floating in a straw-coloured liquid called plasma. Each part has a specific job that keeps you alive and healthy.

Red blood cells are your body's delivery service for oxygen. They're shaped like doughnuts without holes (biconcave), which gives them loads of surface area to pick up oxygen. They're packed with haemoglobin - the red stuff that actually carries the oxygen - and don't have a nucleus so there's more room for this vital protein.

White blood cells are your personal bodyguards, fighting off nasty microorganisms in three main ways. They can literally eat invaders (phagocytosis), produce antibodies to target specific threats, and make antitoxins to neutralise any poisonous substances. Unlike red blood cells, these do have a nucleus.

Platelets are tiny cell fragments that act like natural plasters. When you get cut, they clump together to form clots, stopping bleeding and keeping germs out. Plasma carries everything around - from nutrients and hormones to waste products heading for disposal.

Remember: You can calculate blood flow rate by dividing the volume of blood by the number of minutes - useful for exam calculations!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

5

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

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GCSE Biology Revision Essentials

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Samantha Klich

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iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

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Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Android user

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Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

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Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user