Circulation Around the Body (Cambridge International IGCSE Biology)
Exam board Cambridge International · IGCSEUpdated 2026-08-28
Main blood vessels in the body
Spec point — Identify in diagrams and images the main blood vessels to and from the: (a) heart, limited to: vena cava, aorta, pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein (b) lungs, limited to: pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein (c) kidney, limited to: renal artery and renal vein
Main blood vessels in the body
- Blood is carried away from the heart and towards organs in arteries
- These narrow into arterioles and then capillaries as they pass through the organ
- The capillaries widen to venules and finally veins as they move away from the organs
- Veins carry blood back toward the heart
The circulatory system
Important blood vessels table
| Organ | Towards organ | Away from organ |
|---|---|---|
| Heart | Vena cava and pulmonary vein | Aorta and pulmonary artery |
| Lungs | Pulmonary artery | Pulmonary vein |
| Kidneys | Renal artery | Renal vein |
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