State the functions of the aorta and the vena cava and describe how each is adapted for its functions.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] oxygenated blood;
2. [1] from left ventricle + to rest of body;
3. [1] thick walls;
4. [1] elastic + muscle ;
5. [1] elastic recoil OR lumen can stretch AW;
6. [1] high + pressure ;
7. [1] valve + prevent blood returning to heart AW ;
8. [1] deoxygenated blood;
9. [1] from the body / head + to the right atrium ;
10. [1] thin walls;
11. [1] wide lumen;
12. [1] low + pressure ;
13. [1] valves + to prevent backflow / one way flow ;
14. [1] mixing / non-separation + oxy- and deoxygenated blood;
15. [1] more oxygen in blood sent to the lungs ;
16. [1] less oxygen in blood sent to body / organs / tissues / cells AW;
17. [1] reduced (aerobic) respiration / reduced energy / more anaerobic respiration / more lactic acid;
18. [1] heart beats faster / harder + to meet oxygen demand;
19. [1] (blood) pressure reduced ;