Function of blood vessels
I can describe what blood vessels are and what they do.
Function of blood vessels
I can describe what blood vessels are and what they do.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Blood vessels transport blood all around the body, to and from your heart.
- Arteries are blood vessels. Most arteries deliver blood rich in oxygen to all the parts of the body.
- Veins are blood vessels. Most veins return blood low in oxygen to the heart.
- Blood is always red. Blood travelling through veins may appear blue because of how light travels through our skin.
- Scientists use scientific diagrams to describe different systems in the human body.
Keywords
Blood vessels - Blood vessels are tubes through which blood flows around the body.
Arteries - Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
Veins - Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart.
Oxygenated - Oxygenated blood is blood rich in oxygen.
Deoxygenated - Deoxygenated blood is blood low in oxygen.
Common misconception
Pupils often think that blood sloshes around inside the body rather than travelling through different types of blood vessels. Pupils may also think that blood can be red or blue.
The learning cycle focusing on representing blood vessels in the human body helps pupils to understand that blood vessels are often drawn in different colours merely to help us distinguish between them and understand their different functions.
Equipment
See additional materials for further guidance.
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
carry blood rich in oxygen
return blood low in oxygen to the heart
blood which is rich in oxygen
blood which is low in oxygen