Describe the route that a red blood cell takes through the heart, starting in the right atrium and ending as it leaves through the aorta.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 1.4.2 The heart · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Red blood cell passes from the right atrium into the right ventricle
Red blood cell is pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs via the pulmonary artery
Blood returns from the lungs to the left atrium via the pulmonary vein
Blood passes from the left atrium into the left ventricle and is pumped out through the aorta

Examiner tips

Use the exact sequence of chambers and vessels; include all four steps to gain full marks
Write each step as a separate sentence or bullet to show clear progression
Remember to mention the pulmonary artery and vein, not just 'lungs'
Use UK spelling (e.g., 'ventricle')

Common mistakes

Omitting the pulmonary artery or vein, or confusing them with systemic vessels
Failing to mention the left atrium or left ventricle, or skipping a step
Using incorrect terminology such as 'pulmonary vein to lungs' instead of 'lungs to pulmonary vein'

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Red blood cell passes from the right atrium into the right ventricle
Red blood cell is pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs via the pulmonary artery
Blood returns from the lungs to the left atrium via the pulmonary vein
Blood passes from the left atrium into the left ventricle and is pumped out through the aorta

Key terms in this question

right atrium · aorta