# Explain why the heart is described as a double circulatory pump.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 1.4.2 The heart · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The heart pumps blood around two separate circuits / loops
2. The right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs (pulmonary circuit)
3. The left side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body (systemic circuit)
4. This means blood passes through the heart twice on one complete circuit of the body / maintaining higher pressure for efficient delivery of oxygen

## Key terms

- [double circulatory pump](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/double-circulatory-pump)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-heart-is-described-bcbd8d15) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.