# A student states: 'The heart is just a simple pump that pushes blood around the body in one direction.' Evaluate this statement, referring to the structure and function of the heart.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — 1.3 Mass transport in animals · Evaluate · 5 marks

> The human heart beats approximately 70 times per minute at rest, pumping blood through two separate circulation loops.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The student is correct that the heart acts as a pump / the heart pumps blood around the body
2. The heart is a double pump / has two sides (left and right) that pump blood separately / simultaneously
3. The right side pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs (pulmonary circulation) and the left side pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body (systemic circulation)
4. Valves (e.g. atrioventricular / semilunar valves) ensure blood flows in one direction only / prevent backflow of blood
5. The statement is therefore too simple / incomplete because the heart is a double pump with two circuits / it is more complex than described

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Evaluate" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-states-the-heart-is-afff1744) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.