(a) List the main constituents of mammalian blood. (b) State two functions of each constituent. (c) Tabulate six differences between arteries and veins. (d)...

Assessment: WAEC SSCE - Biology - 2002 (Essay) Subject: Biology

Question 1 Report

(a) List the main constituents of mammalian blood.

(b) State two functions of each constituent.

(c) Tabulate six differences between arteries and veins.

(d) Name the main artery which transports blood to the:
(i) Lung
(ii) Kidney. 

Answer Details

(a) Main constituents of mammalian blood

  • Plasma (liquid matrix)
  • Red blood cells (erythrocytes)
  • White blood cells (leucocytes)
  • Platelets (thrombocytes)

(b) Two functions of each constituent

  • Plasma: transports dissolved food (glucose, amino acids), salts, hormones and excretory wastes (urea, carbon dioxide); distributes heat evenly to regulate body temperature.
  • Red blood cells: carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues as oxyhaemoglobin; help transport carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs.
  • White blood cells: engulf and destroy invading germs by phagocytosis; produce antibodies and antitoxins for defence against disease.
  • Platelets: initiate blood clotting at wounds; help seal cuts to prevent excessive blood loss and entry of pathogens.

(c) Six differences between arteries and veins

ArteriesVeins
Carry blood away from the heartCarry blood towards the heart
Have thick, muscular, elastic wallsHave thin, less muscular walls
Narrow lumen (bore)Wide lumen (bore)
No valves (except at heart base)Have valves along their length
Carry oxygenated blood (except pulmonary artery)Carry deoxygenated blood (except pulmonary vein)
Blood flows under high pressure, in spurtsBlood flows under low pressure, evenly
Located deep within the bodyLocated more superficially

(d) Main artery transporting blood to the

  • (i) Lung: pulmonary artery
  • (ii) Kidney: renal artery

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