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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Blood Vessel Comparison Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your ability to compare the three types of blood vessel and explain how their structure relates to their function.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe two structural differences between arteries and veins, and explain how each difference relates to function.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Arteries have thick muscular walls: to withstand high blood pressure from the heart.
    2. Veins have thinner walls: blood is at lower pressure.
    3. Veins have valves: to prevent backflow of blood; arteries do not need valves due to high pressure.
    4. Arteries have a narrow lumen; veins have a wider lumen.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why capillary walls are only one cell thick.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. To provide a short diffusion distance / pathway.
    2. Allows rapid exchange of substances (O₂, CO₂, glucose, urea) between blood and cells.
    3. Thin walls are essential for efficient gas exchange and nutrient delivery.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why arteries have a pulse but veins do not.

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    1. Arteries receive blood directly from the heart under high pressure.
    2. Each heartbeat sends a surge of blood: the artery wall stretches and recoils (pulse).
    3. By the time blood reaches veins, pressure is much lower and the surges are dampened.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    State the function of valves in veins.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. To prevent the backflow of blood.
    2. To ensure blood flows in one direction: back towards the heart.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Capillaries form networks (capillary beds) around organs. Explain the advantage of this arrangement.

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    1. Capillary beds increase the total surface area for exchange.
    2. Blood flows slowly through capillaries: more time for diffusion.
    3. Every cell is close to a capillary: short diffusion distance for nutrients and wastes.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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