TOPIC 5 TRANSPORT OF MATERIALS IN MAMMALS – Biology Notes Form Two New

Mammals are the complex multicellular organisms whose bodies are made up of numerous cells and tissues. In this case, diffusion alone is not enough to insure efficient carrying out of life process.

Therefore mammals have an elaborate transport system that is made up of the heart, blood and blood vessel.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE MAMMALIAN HEART

The heart is a muscular organ about the size of a closed fist that functions as the body’s circulatory pump. It takes in deoxygenated blood through the veins and delivers it to the lungs for oxygenation before pumping it into the various arteries.

The heart is located in the thoracic cavity between the two lungs.

BLOOD VESSELS

Blood vessels are intricate networks of hollow tubes that transport blood throughout the entire body. This is an essential function as blood delivers valuable nutrients to and removes wastes from our cells.