GRADE 9
SCIENCE- MODULE 1
Chapter 1: Circulation and Gas Exchange
1.1 Introduction
Our bodies, like Earth's river systems, have an internal transport network: the circulatory system. This system,
along with the respiratory system, ensures cells receive nutrients, oxygen, and other molecules while removing
waste.
1.2 The Circulatory System: A Life-Support System
How are organs and tissues supplied?
The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, transports nutrients, gases, hormones, and
removes waste products. It's a highway connecting all cells, keeping them alive.
Components of the Circulatory System:
1. The Heart
Muscular organ about the size of a fist
Located in the chest, slightly tilted to the left
Has four chambers:
o Two atria (upper chambers)
o Two ventricles (lower chambers)
Chambers are separated by valves that prevent backflow
Right side: Handles deoxygenated (oxygen-poor) blood and sends it to the lungs
Left side: Handles oxygenated (oxygen-rich) blood and sends it to the rest of the body
Pumps about 5 liters of blood per minute at rest
2. Blood
The fluid of life
Functions:
o Transports nutrients
o Removes waste
o Regulates acid-base balance
o Protects against disease and blood loss
o Carries hormones
Components of Blood:
Plasma (55%)
o Liquid part of the blood
o Contains water, dissolved wastes, antibodies, nutrients, fibrinogen, and hormones
Red Blood Cells (RBCs / Erythrocytes) - 45%
o Biconcave and anucleated (no nucleus)
o Contain hemoglobin (binds to oxygen and carbon dioxide)
o Life span: 90–120 days
o Lack of RBCs or hemoglobin leads to anemia
White Blood Cells (WBCs / Leukocytes) - <1%
o Part of the immune system
o Types:
Neutrophils: Phagocytosis
Eosinophils: Kill parasites
Basophils: Defend against allergens
Lymphocytes: Produce antibodies
Monocytes: Mature into phagocytic macrophages
Platelets (Thrombocytes) - <1%
o Colorless and anucleated
o Assist in blood clotting
o Release enzymes and form fibrin mesh
o Hemophilia: Genetic disorder affecting blood clotting
3. Blood Vessels
Arteries
o Carry blood away from the heart
o Exception: Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood
o Have thick smooth muscle layers to withstand pressure
Veins
o Carry blood toward the heart
o Exception: Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood
o Have thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow
Capillaries
o Tiny vessels where gas and nutrient exchange happens
o Have thin walls that allow diffusion
11-14. 4 CHAMBERS OF THE HEART
Blood Circulation
Pulmonary Circulation:
o Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the right atrium
o Moves to the right ventricle
o Sent to the lungs via pulmonary arteries
o Gas exchange in lung capillaries (CO2 released, O2 picked up)
o Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium via pulmonary veins
Systemic Circulation:
o Oxygenated blood from the left atrium moves to the left ventricle
o Pumped to the body via the aorta
o Travels to various organs (coronary, renal, hepatic portal)
o Delivers oxygen/nutrients and picks up waste
o Deoxygenated blood returns via venae cavae
Blood Pressure
Force exerted by blood on artery walls
Measured using a sphygmomanometer
Normal: 120/80 mmHg
o Systolic: Pressure during heart contraction
o Diastolic: Pressure during heart relaxation
Cardiovascular Diseases (2)
Angina Pectoris: Chest pain due to reduced heart blood flow
Atherosclerosis: Fatty buildup in arteries
Stroke: Blood supply to the brain is cut off
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Inadequate blood flow to heart muscle causing death of tissue
1.3 The Respiratory System: Breathing for Life
How is oxygen obtained?
Respiration: Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Respiratory system works with circulatory system
Components of the Respiratory System (5)
Nose: Entry point, air is cleaned, warmed, moistened
Pharynx (Throat): Passage for air and food; contains adenoids and tonsils
Trachea (Windpipe): Cartilage-ringed tube with mucus and cilia
Glottis: Tracheal opening, covered by epiglottis (prevents food entry)
Larynx (Voice Box): Contains vocal cords
Lungs: Elastic sacs protected by pleura
Bronchi: Trachea branches into two bronchi
Bronchioles: Smaller branches leading to alveoli
Alveoli: Thin-walled air sacs for gas exchange, surrounded by capillaries
Diaphragm: Dome-shaped muscle, separates chest and abdomen, aids breathing
The Journey of Air
Nose → Pharynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli
Breathing Process
Inhalation (Inspiration):
o Diaphragm contracts, moves down
o Rib cage expands
o Lung pressure decreases
o Air flows in
Exhalation (Expiration):
o Diaphragm relaxes, moves up
o Rib cage contracts
o Lung pressure increases
o Air pushed out
Internal Respiration
Oxygen diffuses from alveoli to blood
Oxygen is carried by hemoglobin to cells
CO2 from cells diffuses to blood, transported to lungs, and exhaled
Common Respiratory Problems (2)
Asthma: Inflammation and narrowing of airways
Pneumonia: Alveoli infection
Emphysema: Loss of lung elasticity
Lung Cancer: Uncontrolled cell growth in lungs
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: CO binds to hemoglobin, blocks oxygen
Tuberculosis (TB): Infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Common Cold: Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract
1.4 Care for Circulatory and Respiratory Systems (3)
Exercise regularly
Get sufficient rest
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Breathe clean, fresh air
Practice deep breathing
Have regular medical checkups
Prevent air pollution and CO accumulation
1.5 Technology in Focus: New Cellular Treatment for Chronic Artery Disease
Scientists are developing nanoparticles to deliver drugs to artery cells
Goal: Train artery cells to transport cholesterol without buildup
Potential to prevent strokes and heart attacks
1.6 Concepts at a Glance
Circulatory and respiratory systems are interconnected
Circulatory system includes heart, blood, and vessels
Respiratory system includes lungs, airways, and diaphragm
Blood transports oxygen, nutrients, and removes waste
Breathing involves air movement and gas exchange
Health can be maintained through proper lifestyle and environmental care
New medical technologies are being developed to treat cardiovascular issues