Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Aortic Pathway — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This engaging, audio-integrated reading passage, 'Aortic Pathway,' introduces Grade 6 students to the crucial role of the aorta in the human circulatory system. It explains how the heart, as an organ, works with arteries to perform the complex function of blood circulation, directly aligning with NGSS LS1.A: Structure and Function. Students will learn about the journey of oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body, defining key terms like 'aorta,' 'arteries,' 'oxygenated blood,' and 'deoxygenated blood.' The passage, accompanied by interactive quizzes, a glossary, and short answer questions, helps students understand the intricate network of organs and their functions, enhancing their comprehension of body systems.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Heart pumps oxygen-rich blood through the aorta highway to organs; veins return deoxygenated blood. — The heart powers blood flow through the aorta highway, fueling the body’s circulatory system.

Imagine your body as a bustling city, and your heart as the main power station. This incredible organ works tirelessly, pumping blood to every single part of your body, keeping it alive and energized. But how does this vital blood travel? It uses a network of tiny roads and highways, and the biggest, most important highway for blood leaving your heart is called the aorta.

The aorta is a large, powerful artery. Think of arteries as the main pipes that carry blood away from your heart. When your heart beats, it pushes a gush of fresh, oxygen-rich blood into the aorta. This blood is called oxygenated blood because it carries the oxygen your body's cells need to function. From the aorta, this oxygenated blood then branches off into smaller arteries, which spread out like tree branches to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your brain, arms, legs, and all your internal organs.

The journey of blood through the aorta is a vital part of your body's circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system. This system is responsible for moving blood, nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hormones around the body. Without the aorta, the heart wouldn't be able to effectively distribute the oxygenated blood needed for all your body's functions. The aorta begins at the top of the heart's left ventricle, which is the heart's strongest pumping chamber. It then curves down through your chest and abdomen, delivering blood all the way to your legs.

After your cells use up the oxygen, the blood becomes deoxygenated blood. This means it has less oxygen and more carbon dioxide, a waste product. This deoxygenated blood then travels back to the heart through a different set of vessels called veins. The heart then pumps this deoxygenated blood to the lungs to pick up more oxygen and release carbon dioxide, starting the whole amazing cycle again. So, the aorta is truly the superhighway of your circulatory system, ensuring every part of your body gets what it needs!

Interesting Fact: The aorta is about the diameter of a garden hose and is the largest artery in the human body.

What is the heart compared to in the passage?

A tiny roadA power stationA tree branchA garden hose

What is the largest artery?

VeinCapillaryAortaVentricle

What does oxygenated blood carry?

Carbon dioxideWaste productsOxygen and nutrientsDeoxygenated blood

Which part of the heart pumps blood into the aorta?

Right atriumLeft ventricleRight ventricleLeft atrium

What happens to blood after cells use oxygen?

It stays oxygenatedBecomes deoxygenatedGoes to the brainTravels to arteries

Why is the aorta called the 'superhighway'?