Download The Circulatory System and more Lecture notes Biology in PDF only on Docsity!
ICSE CLASS X · UNIT 3: HUMAN ANATOMY
The Circulatory
System
ICSE Biology Question Bank
Board Exam Practice · 2025--
Prepared by Adil
For ICSE Class 10 Board Examination · March 2026
Sections: A — Multiple Choice Questions (40 Q) B — Very Short Answer Questions (35 Q) C — Short Answer Questions (30 Q) D — Long Answer Questions (18 Q) E — Structured ICSE Questions (12 Q) F — Competency-Based Questions (12 Q) G — Diagram-Based Questions (12 Q)
Total Questions: 159 Strictly ICSE Syllabus · 2025--
Introduction
"Understanding the circulatory system is not just a chapter in Bi-
ology — it is the chapter that ties together nutrition, respiration,
immunity, and excretion."
The ICSE Board has progressively shifted towards application-based and indirect questions , rewarding students who understand the why and how behind biological processes, not merely the what.
This question bank has been carefully crafted to prepare you for every type of ques- tion that may appear in the Class 10 ICSE Biology Board Examination — from direct recall to challenging analytical scenarios.
Why practice questions? Practicing structured questions helps you identify gaps in conceptual understanding, improves exam timing, and trains you to construct precise, mark-winning answers. The ICSE examiner rewards clarity and specificity.
How this bank strengthens your preparation:
- Questions are ordered from easy to challenging within each section.
- Covers every subtopic in Chapter 7 including commonly overlooked areas such as the hepatic portal system, Rh factor, and lymph formation.
- Exam Tips and Common Mistake alerts guide you away from the errors that cost students marks every year.
- Diagram-based questions prepare you for the 5-mark labelling questions that appear annually.
The Circulatory System as a hub concept: This chapter connects directly to Nutrition (absorbed nutrients enter the blood via the hepatic portal vein), Respiration (oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported by blood), Excretion (renal vessels carry waste to the kidneys), and Immunity (WBCs and lymph nodes). Mastering this chapter strengthens your entire biology preparation.
l Concept Check
Before you begin, ask yourself: Can you trace the complete path of a red blood cell from the right atrium to the left toe and back? If yes, you are ready. If not, re-read your textbook chapter before starting Section D and E.
Section A — Multiple Choice Questions
Section A Multiple Choice Questions (40 Questions · 1 Mark Each)
Choose the most appropriate option for each question. Questions test conceptual understanding.
Q. 1 Which component of blood is responsible for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to body tissues?
(A) White blood cells
(B) Plasma
(C) Red blood cells
(D) Platelets
Q. 2 A mature human red blood cell lacks a nucleus. What is the most significant advantage of this adaptation?
(A) It prevents RBCs from reproducing un-
controllably
(B) It allows more haemoglobin to be
packed into the cell
(C) It reduces the immune response to
RBCs
(D) It makes RBCs live longer than other
cells
Q. 3 The bicuspid (mitral) valve is located between which two chambers of the heart?
(A) Right atrium and right ventricle
(B) Left ventricle and aorta
(C) Left atrium and left ventricle
(D) Right ventricle and pulmonary artery
Q. 4 Blood returning from the intestines to the liver travels through which vessel?
(A) Hepatic artery
(B) Hepatic vein
(C) Hepatic portal vein
(D) Mesenteric artery
Q. 5 During diastole, which of the following occurs?
(A) Ventricles contract and push blood out
(B) Semilunar valves open
(C) Heart muscle relaxes and chambers fill
with blood
(D) The atrioventricular valves close
Q. 6 Which blood group is known as the "universal donor" in the ABO system?
(A) AB
(B) A
(C) O
(D) B
Q. 7 The pulmonary artery carries blood that is:
(A) Oxygenated, from the left ventricle
(B) Deoxygenated, from the right ventricle
(C) Oxygenated, from the right ventricle
(D) Deoxygenated, from the left atrium
Q. 8 Tissue fluid is formed when:
(A) Lymph returns to blood through the tho-
racic duct
(B) Blood plasma filters out of capillaries
into surrounding spaces
(C) RBCs release haemoglobin into intersti-
tial spaces
(D) Lymph capillaries absorb excess blood
Q. 9 Which of the following correctly describes the function of platelets?
(A) They carry oxygen bound to
haemoglobin
(B) They produce antibodies against
pathogens
(C) They initiate blood clotting by releasing
thromboplastin
(D) They destroy worn-out red blood cells
in the spleen
Q. 10 A person with blood group AB has which antigens on their red blood cells?
(A) Only A antigen
(B) Only B antigen
(C) Both A and B antigens
(D) Neither A nor B antigens
Q. 11 In double circulation, blood passes through the heart:
(A) Once in a complete circuit
(B) Twice in a complete circuit
(C) Three times in a complete circuit
(D) Directly from arteries to veins
Q. 12 The semilunar valves prevent backflow of blood into the:
(A) Atria from the ventricles
(B) Ventricles from the great arteries
(C) Capillaries from the venules
(D) Right ventricle from the right atrium
Q. 13 Which white blood cell produces antibodies?
(A) Neutrophil
(B) Monocyte
(C) Lymphocyte
(D) Eosinophil
Q. 14 Lymph differs from blood plasma primarily because lymph:
(A) The lower limbs and abdominal organs
(B) The head, neck, and upper limbs
(C) The lungs
(D) The liver
Q. 22 Which of the following is NOT a function of blood?
(A) Transportation of oxygen
(B) Regulation of body temperature
(C) Production of bile
(D) Defence against infection
Q. 23 What prevents the backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria?
(A) Semilunar valves
(B) Atrioventricular valves
(C) The interventricular septum
(D) Chordae tendineae alone
Q. 24 A person is Rh-negative. This means:
(A) They have Rh antigens on their RBCs
(B) They lack Rh antigens on their RBCs
(C) Their blood will agglutinate with Rh-
positive blood always
(D) They can donate blood only to Rh-
positive individuals
Q. 25 Blood pressure is measured as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. Which represents ventricular relaxation?
(A) Systolic pressure
(B) Diastolic pressure
(C) Pulse pressure
(D) Mean arterial pressure
Q. 26 Which organ destroys worn-out red blood cells and stores blood?
(A) Liver
(B) Spleen
(C) Kidney
(D) Thymus
Q. 27 The number of times the heart beats per minute is called:
(A) Stroke volume
(B) Cardiac output
(C) Heart rate
(D) Pulse pressure
Q. 28 Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?
(A) Pulmonary artery
(B) Pulmonary vein
(C) Aorta
(D) Superior vena cava
Q. 29 Haemoglobin in red blood cells carries oxygen by forming:
(A) Carboxyhaemoglobin
(B) Oxyhaemoglobin
(C) Deoxyhaemoglobin
(D) Methaemoglobin
Q. 30 The function of valves in veins is to:
(A) Increase blood pressure
(B) Prevent backflow of blood
(C) Regulate the rate of blood flow
(D) Filter blood before it reaches the heart
8 Common Mistake
Students often confuse pulmonary artery (carries deoxygenated blood) with pulmonary vein (carries oxygenated blood). Remember: Arteries always carry blood away from the heart — the pulmonary artery is the only artery with de- oxygenated blood.
Q. 31 Erythroblastosis foetalis occurs when:
(A) An Rh-positive mother carries an Rh-
negative foetus
(B) An Rh-negative mother develops anti-
Rh antibodies that attack an Rh- positive foetus in subsequent pregnan-
cies
(C) An AB mother carries a type O foetus
(D) The ABO blood types of mother and foe-
tus are incompatible
Q. 32 Which of the following best describes the hepatic portal system?
(A) A portal system where blood flows from
the liver to the heart
(B) A direct system where the aorta
branches into hepatic arteries
(C) A portal system where blood from in-
testinal capillaries flows into hepatic capillaries before reaching general cir- culation
(D) A portal system where renal veins drain
into the hepatic vein
Q. 33 Lymph nodes function primarily to:
(A) Produce red blood cells
(B) Filter lymph and trap pathogens; lym-
phocytes multiply here
(C) Regulate blood pressure
(D) Produce platelets and clotting factors
Q. 34 The renal artery carries blood that is:
(A) Deoxygenated and high in urea
(B) Oxygenated and high in urea
(C) Oxygenated and low in urea
(D) Deoxygenated and low in urea
Q. 35 Which of the following is correct regarding arteries?
(A) They have thin walls and carry blood at
low pressure
(B) They contain valves to prevent back-
flow
(C) They have thick muscular walls and
carry blood at high pressure away from the heart
(D) They always carry deoxygenated blood
Section B — Very Short Answer Questions
Section B Very Short Answer (35 Questions · 1 Mark Each)
Answer in one word, one phrase, or complete the blank.
Q. 1 Name the fluid component of blood that constitutes about 55% of total blood volume.
Q. 2 What is the biconcave disc-shaped cell that transports oxygen in mammals?
Q. 3 Name the pigment present in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.
Q. 4 State one organelle that is absent in mature mammalian RBCs.
Q. 5 What is the term for the process by which a blood clot is formed to prevent blood loss?
Q. 6 Name the enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin during clot formation.
Q. 7 What is the liquid that oozes out of capillaries into the intercellular spaces called?
Q. 8 Name the vessel that collects lymph from the left side of the body and empties it into the left subclavian vein.
Q. 9 Which organ removes old and damaged red blood cells from circulation?
Q. 10 Name the two upper chambers of the human heart.
Q. 11 What is the function of the chordae tendineae?
Q. 12 Name the valve between the right atrium and right ventricle.
Q. 13 Which blood vessel carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs?
Q. 14 What is the name of the double-walled sac that surrounds and protects the heart?
Q. 15 State the term for one complete heartbeat (one contraction followed by one relaxation).
Q. 16 Name the natural pacemaker of the heart.
Q. 17 In systemic circulation, which artery is the main vessel through which oxy- genated blood leaves the left ventricle?
Q. 18 Define blood pressure.
Q. 19 A normal resting blood pressure reading is written as 120/80 mmHg. What does the number 80 represent?
Q. 20 Name the antigen present on the red blood cells of an Rh-positive person.
H Exam Tip
In ICSE, "Rh antigen" or "D antigen" are both accepted. Write Rh antigen for safety unless the question specifies the chemical name.
Q. 21 Which type of white blood cell engulfs pathogens by phagocytosis?
Q. 22 Name the portal system that connects intestinal capillaries to liver sinusoids.
Q. 23 What are the smallest blood vessels that directly exchange substances with body cells?
Q. 24 Name the two large veins that return deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium.
Q. 25 Fill in the blank: The right side of the heart pumps blood to the ______, while the left side pumps blood to the ______.
Q. 26 What is the liquid portion of blood without clotting factors called?
Q. 27 Name the tonsil-like lymphoid organ located in the upper left abdomen.
Q. 28 What type of circulation involves blood travelling from the heart to the lungs and back?
Q. 29 State the blood group that can receive blood from all four ABO groups.
Q. 30 How many chambers does the human heart have?
Q. 31 Name the valve that prevents backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle.
Q. 32 What is the term for the alternate expansion and recoil of artery walls felt as a throb in the wrist?
Q. 33 Name the vessel that carries blood from the kidneys back to the inferior vena cava.
Q. 34 Fill in the blank: Lymph is similar to plasma but lacks ______ and has lower concentrations of ______.
Q. 35 What is the significance of the biconcave shape of RBCs?
Q. 16 What is erythroblastosis foetalis? In which pregnancy does it typically occur?
Q. 17 State the function of tonsils in the human body.
Q. 18 Why is blood group O called the "universal donor"? Is this always safe in prac- tice?
Q. 19 Describe the role of platelets in wound healing.
Q. 20 What is meant by the "pulse"? Where can it be felt and why?
Q. 21 Explain why carbon monoxide poisoning is dangerous to the circulatory sys- tem.
Q. 22 What is the significance of the biconcave shape of red blood cells?
Q. 23 Describe the path blood takes from the right atrium to the left atrium.
Q. 24 Why is the aorta described as the largest artery in the body?
Q. 25 Distinguish between arteries and veins based on wall thickness and pressure.
Q. 26 What are lymph nodes and why are they important?
Q. 27 Explain the role of white blood cells in the body's defence mechanism.
Q. 28 A patient has a blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg. What condition does this indicate?
Q. 29 What is the significance of the hepatic portal system to the liver's detoxifica- tion function?
Q. 30 Explain why blood in the pulmonary artery is described as deoxygenated even though it comes from the heart.
Section D — Long Answer Questions
Section D Long Answer Questions (18 Questions · 5 Marks Each)
Write detailed answers. ICSE expects 4–5 key points per long answer.
Q. 1 Describe the structure of the human heart with reference to its chambers, valves, and the major blood vessels entering and leaving each chamber.
Q. 2 Explain the process of double circulation in humans. Include the pulmonary circuit and systemic circuit in your answer, naming all vessels involved.
Q. 3 Compare and contrast arteries, veins, and capillaries under the following head- ings: (i) Wall thickness, (ii) Presence of valves, (iii) Direction of blood flow, (iv) Blood pressure, (v) Function.
Q. 4 Describe the composition of blood and explain the functions of each compo- nent: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Q. 5 Explain the mechanism of blood clotting. Name the substances involved and state the role of each.
Q. 6 Describe the structure and functions of the lymphatic system. Include the role of lymph nodes, the spleen, and tonsils.
Q. 7 Explain the ABO blood group system. Draw a table showing antigens, antibod- ies, and compatibility for all four blood groups.
Q. 8 Describe the cardiac cycle (heartbeat) in detail. Include systole, diastole, and the role of valves in maintaining the direction of blood flow.
Q. 9 What is the hepatic portal system? Describe its structure and explain its phys- iological significance.
Q. 10 Explain the significance of the Rh factor. What is erythroblastosis foetalis and how can it be prevented?
H Exam Tip
For long answer questions worth 5 marks, plan to write 5 distinct points. Each point should be in its own sentence. Numbered or bulleted format is accepted and often preferred by ICSE examiners — it makes it easier to award marks.
Q. 11 Describe the role of red blood cells in oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. How does the absence of organelles and the biconcave shape contribute to their
Section E — Structured ICSE Questions
Section E Structured Exam-Style Questions (12 Questions)
These questions follow the exact ICSE Board examination format. Attempt all parts.
Structured Question 1 Study the following statement: "The human heart is a double pump."
(a) What is meant by "double pump" in the context of human circulation? [1]
(b) Name the two circuits of circulation involved and identify the chambers of the heart responsible for pumping blood in each. [2]
(c) Explain why the left ventricle wall is thicker than the right ventricle wall. [2]
(d) How would blocking of the coronary arteries affect the heart? [1]
Structured Question 2 The diagram below shows the ABO blood group system.
(a) A person has blood group B. Name the antigen on their RBCs and the anti- body in their plasma. [2]
(b) Can a person with blood group B receive blood from a person with blood group O? Justify your answer. [2]
(c) Why is blood group AB known as the "universal recipient"? [1]
(d) In a blood transfusion, what happens if incompatible blood groups are mixed? Name this reaction. [1]
Structured Question 3 Refer to the following description: "A protein-rich plasma leaks out of capillar- ies into surrounding tissues, while the remaining fluid returns to the lymphatic system."
(a) Name the fluid described above that fills the intercellular spaces. [1]
(b) Why does fluid leak out of capillaries? Mention the pressure responsible. [2]
(c) Describe how this fluid enters lymph capillaries and is eventually returned to blood. [2]
(d) State one difference between lymph and blood plasma. [1]
Structured Question 4
The following is a simplified sequence of events: Prothrombin → Thrombin → Fibrinogen → Fibrin
(a) What is the role of thrombin in blood clotting? [1]
(b) Which substance, released by damaged platelets, triggers the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin? [1]
(c) Name the mineral ion essential for the clotting process. [1]
(d) Why must blood inside the body not clot spontaneously? Name the sub- stance that prevents this. [2]
Structured Question 5
A 45-year-old man has a resting pulse of 90 beats per minute and a blood pres- sure of 150/95 mmHg.
(a) Is his pulse rate normal? What is the normal resting pulse rate for an adult? [1]
(b) What does the reading 150/95 mmHg indicate about his health? [1]
(c) What is meant by systolic pressure (150 mmHg in this case)? [1]
(d) Name two organs that can be damaged by persistently high blood pres- sure. [2]
Structured Question 6 Consider the role of the hepatic portal vein.
(a) Define the hepatic portal system. [1]
(b) Name the two capillary networks connected by the hepatic portal vein. [2]
(c) Explain why it is beneficial for absorbed glucose to pass through the liver before reaching general circulation. [2]
(d) Name the storage form in which the liver stores excess glucose. [1]
Structured Question 7 Study the structure of the different types of blood vessels. (a) Name one structural feature of arteries that distinguishes them from veins. [1] (b) Why do veins have valves? What is the mechanism by which blood moves in veins? [2] (c) Explain the structural adaptation of capillaries that makes them the only site of exchange of materials. [2]
(d) Name two functions of plasma proteins. [1]
Structured Question 12
A student reads that "the human red blood cell is highly specialised for its func- tion."
(a) List three structural features of a human RBC that make it suited for oxygen transport. [3]
(b) How is oxygen transported in blood? Name the compound formed. [1]
(c) State one consequence of a deficiency of haemoglobin in the blood. [1]
(d) Where are red blood cells produced in adults? [1]
Section F — Competency-Based Questions
Section F Competency-Based & Analytical Questions (
Questions)
These questions test your ability to apply circulatory system concepts to unfamiliar scenarios.
CBQ 1 — Analytical Reasoning
Scenario: Priya is a marathon runner. After finishing the race, her coach mea- sures her pulse at 140 beats per minute. Ten minutes after rest, it has dropped to 75 beats per minute.
(a) Why does pulse rate increase during vigorous exercise? (b) What is the name for the elevated heart rate observed here during exer- cise? (c) Explain why an athlete typically has a lower resting heart rate than a seden- tary person. (d) Which type of blood vessel would you expect to show the greatest increase in blood flow to working muscles during exercise?
CBQ 2 — Application
Scenario: A patient is found to have a blockage in the hepatic portal vein.
(a) What will be the immediate effect on blood glucose levels after a carbohydrate-rich meal? Explain. (b) Drugs absorbed from the intestine normally undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver. What happens to drug metabolism if the hepatic portal vein is blocked? (c) Name one toxic substance that the liver removes from portal blood before it reaches general circulation. (d) What is the normal function of the liver with respect to excess amino acids absorbed from the gut?
CBQ 3 — Interpretation
Scenario: A doctor finds that a patient's red blood cell count is 3.5 million cells/μL instead of the normal 5 million cells/μL. (a) What condition does this low RBC count suggest?
