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Introduction to the lesson
We have studied the basic layout of the cardiovascular system and looked at the vessels which transport blood to and from the heart. In the next two lessons, we will now study the fluids that are transported by the cardiovascular system. In this lesson, we will focus on blood plasma, tissue fluid and lymph. The exchange of substances between blood plasma and tissue fluid is one of the most important parts of the transport system. This is where the transport system meets the body cells and the oxygen being transported finally reaches its destination. It is also where carbon dioxide enters the transport system. By now you should be realizing that the cardiovascular system and the gas exchange system are closely linked and each is vital for the other.
Blood plasma and tissue fluid
Read the section "Blood plasma and tissue fluid" on p.164 of your text book.
Learning Activity 1
Answer the following questions in your exercise book.
- List the substances that are found in blood plasma but not in tissue fluid.
- Why is the composition of tissue fluid so similar to that of blood plasma?
- What is the advantage of the interchange of substances between tissue fluid and blood plasma? (Hint: Think in terms of transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.)
Lymph
Read the section "Lymph" on p.164-165 of your text book.
Learning Activity 2
Answer the following questions in your exercise book.
- Answer Question 8.6 on p.164 and Question 8.7 on p.166.
Definitions and review
Definitions
- Blood plasma
- Plasma proteins
- Tissue fluid
- Oedema
- Homeostasis
- Lymph vessels/lymphatics
Mindmap
Add this section to your chapter eight mindmap.