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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 19 marks · about 21 minutes

Heart and Circulation 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.

Trace the route aloud before answering. Most heart errors come from losing the sequence or assuming artery always means oxygenated blood.

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 6 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Starting at the vena cava, state the route taken by blood until it reaches the aorta.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Right atrium.
    2. Right ventricle.
    3. Pulmonary artery.
    4. Lungs then pulmonary vein.
    5. Left atrium.
    6. Left ventricle then aorta.

    Watch for: Reversing the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Explain why valves are necessary in the heart.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. They prevent backflow of blood.
    2. They open and close because of pressure differences.
    3. They maintain one-way movement through chambers and out of the heart.

    Watch for: Saying valves contract or pump the blood.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Explain why the left ventricular wall is thicker than the right ventricular wall.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. The left ventricle pumps blood through the systemic circulation to the whole body.
    2. It must generate greater pressure or force than the right ventricle, which pumps to the lungs.
    3. The thicker muscular wall contracts more strongly.

    Watch for: Saying only that the body is farther away without mentioning pressure.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Compare the structure of an artery with a vein.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Artery has a thicker muscular and elastic wall; vein wall is thinner.
    2. Artery has a narrower lumen; vein has a wider lumen.
    3. Veins contain valves; arteries generally do not.
    4. Arteries are adapted to higher pressure; veins carry blood at lower pressure.

    Watch for: Defining the vessels only by oxygen content.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    State one advantage of double circulation in mammals and explain it.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Blood returns to the heart after the lungs before travelling to the body.
    2. The left ventricle can pump oxygenated blood at high pressure to body tissues.
    3. This supports a faster rate of oxygen delivery and aerobic respiration.

    Watch for: Saying blood passes through the lungs twice in one circuit.

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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