Cardiovascular System Overview

Which of the following is NOT a primary component of the cardiovascular system?

What is the main function of albumin in the blood plasma?

Which of the following best describes the systemic circuit's function?

Besides delivering substances such as gases and nutrients, what other essential function does blood perform in the body?

What percentage of total blood volume is comprised of blood plasma?

Cardiovascular System Subdivisions

The cardiovascular system has three main components: the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
Blood is circulated through circuits: the pulmonary circuit and the systemic circuit, which includes the coronary circuit.

Arteries and Veins

Blood vessels include arteries and veins.

Functions of Blood

Blood carries various substances:
- Gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between tissues and lungs.
- Nutrients to tissues.
- Waste products (metabolites) from tissues.
- Chemical messengers (hormones) to target tissues.
Other functions of blood:
- Maintaining acid-base balance
- Facilitating gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the lungs.
- Regulating water balance.
- Maintaining body temperature.
- Blood clotting (coagulation) via coagulation factors and platelets.

Components of Blood: Blood Plasma

Blood plasma comprises approximately 55% of total blood volume.
Plasma is primarily water (90%), with proteins, electrolytes, and gases.
Proteins in plasma include albumin and globulins, with many proteins transporting substances.
Albumin helps maintain oncotic pressure, while some globulins are antibodies.

This quiz covers the essential components and functions of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels, and blood. You'll explore the differences between arteries and veins, as well as the critical roles that blood plays in oxygen transport, nutrient delivery, and waste removal. Test your knowledge of the pulmonary and systemic circuits, and the composition of blood plasma.