How to Revise IGCSE Biology Topic 9: Transport in Humans
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Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Key point
Draw and label the heart from memory. Compare arteries, veins, and capillaries with structure-function links. Know blood components and their roles. Understand coronary heart disease.
Topic 9 is one of the highest-mark topics in IGCSE Biology. You need to draw and label the heart, compare blood vessels, know the components of blood and their functions, and explain coronary heart disease. This topic reliably carries 8–12 marks per paper.
Priority 1: Heart structure and blood flow
Know the four chambers, the valves, and the path of blood: vena cava → right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → lungs → pulmonary vein → left atrium → bicuspid valve → left ventricle → aorta → body. The left ventricle has a thicker wall because it pumps blood to the whole body at higher pressure.
Priority 2: Blood vessels
Compare arteries, veins, and capillaries: wall thickness, lumen size, valves, blood pressure, and function. Link each structural feature to its function.
Priority 3: Blood components
Red blood cells: contain haemoglobin, no nucleus, biconcave: carry oxygen. White blood cells: phagocytes (engulf pathogens) and lymphocytes (produce antibodies). Platelets: cell fragments, involved in blood clotting. Plasma: liquid, transports dissolved substances (glucose, urea, CO₂, hormones).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to draw the heart?
Yes: you should be able to draw a labelled diagram of the heart from memory. Practise until you can do it in under 3 minutes with all labels correct.
Put the guide into practice
Questions and practical resources
Use a fresh question to check whether the idea can be applied without prompts.