Cardiovascular System

Overview

The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, is a complex network of organs and vessels that transport blood throughout the body.

Functions

• Transport oxygen and nutrients from the lungs and digestive system to cells and tissues
• Remove carbon dioxide and waste products from cells and tissues
• Regulate body temperature
• Maintain blood pressure
• Support immune function

Components

Heart

• A muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body
• Divided into four chambers: left and right atria, left and right ventricles
• The heartbeat is regulated by the sinoatrial (SA) node

Blood Vessels

• Arteries: carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body
• Veins: carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart
• Capillaries: allow for exchange of oxygen and nutrients with cells and tissues

Blood

• A liquid tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste products
• Composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• pH and temperature regulation are critical for proper function

Blood Circulation

• Pulmonary circulation: oxygen-depleted blood from the body enters the right atrium, then travels to the lungs to pick up oxygen
• Systemic circulation: oxygen-rich blood from the lungs enters the left atrium, then travels to the rest of the body
• Blood pressure is highest in arteries and lowest in veins

Regulation

• Autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate and blood pressure
• Baroreceptors in blood vessels detect changes in blood pressure and send signals to the brain for adjustment
• Hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine also play a role in regulating cardiovascular function

Overview

• The cardiovascular system is a complex network of organs and vessels that transport blood throughout the body.

Functions

• Transports oxygen and nutrients from lungs and digestive system to cells and tissues.
• Removes carbon dioxide and waste products from cells and tissues.
• Regulates body temperature.
• Maintains blood pressure.
• Supports immune function.

Components

Heart

• A muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
• Divided into four chambers: left and right atria, left and right ventricles.
• Heartbeat regulated by the sinoatrial (SA) node.

Blood Vessels

• Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
• Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
• Capillaries allow for exchange of oxygen and nutrients with cells and tissues.

Blood

• A liquid tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.
• Composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• pH and temperature regulation are critical for proper function.

Blood Circulation

• Pulmonary circulation: oxygen-depleted blood from the body enters the right atrium, then travels to the lungs to pick up oxygen.
• Systemic circulation: oxygen-rich blood from the lungs enters the left atrium, then travels to the rest of the body.
• Blood pressure is highest in arteries and lowest in veins.

Regulation

• Autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate and blood pressure.
• Baroreceptors in blood vessels detect changes in blood pressure and send signals to the brain for adjustment.
• Hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine also play a role in regulating cardiovascular function.

Learn about the functions and components of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels, and more.