Pulse When the heart beats, blood is pumped through the arteries causing them to expand and contract. This can be felt when the arteries are close to the skin in the neck or wrist. This is called a pulse. The pulse rate is the same as the heart rate.
Fig. 8 Measuring the pulse rate.
Investigate this The effect of exercise and rest on pulse rate
Apparatus Stop-clock or watch with a second hand.
Method 1. Locate your pulse by placing two fingers (not your thumb) of your right hand firmly against the inside of your left wrist, just under the thumb.
2. Record your pulse rate for one minute. 3. Repeat this for a further two minutes. 4. Calculate your average resting pulse rate. 5. Run vigorously on the spot for two minutes. 6. Find your pulse rate as above for the first minute after exercising. 7. Find your pulse rate for the second, third and fourth minute after exercising. Record your results. What is the effect of exercise on your pulse rate?
9.4 Blood circulation in the body Double circulation
Two distinct and separate circulatory pathways for blood flow.
The circulatory system consists of two pathways or circuits. This is called double circulation because blood is pumped through one circuit between the heart and the lungs, and it is pumped through a second circuit between the heart and the rest of the body simultaneously. Double circulation enables quick delivery of oxygen to the body and quick removal of carbon dioxide from the body.
