Cardiovascular System Overview

Study Notes

Comprises the heart and blood vessels essential for transporting blood throughout the body.
Facilitates nutrient delivery to cells and removal of waste products.

Pulmonary Circuit:
- Right side of the heart responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
- Oxygenation occurs in the lungs before returning oxygen-rich blood to the heart through the pulmonary vein.
Systemic Circuit:
- Left side of the heart sends oxygenated blood to the entire body through the aorta.
- Collects deoxygenated blood from the body and returns it to the heart via the superior and inferior vena cavae.

Oxygen-rich blood is crucial for cellular function, while carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste product that needs to be expelled.
Interstitial fluid mediates the exchange of substances between blood and tissue cells.

Blood is renewed in the lungs, kidneys, intestines, and liver, all of which play pivotal roles in homeostasis.
The lymphatic system collects excess tissue fluid and returns it to the bloodstream.

Transport:
- Distributes oxygen, CO2, nutrients, waste products, and hormones efficiently throughout the body.
Protection:
- Immune cells are transported via blood to combat infections and diseases.
Regulation:
- Maintains homeostasis by regulating pH balance and electrolyte levels, among other bodily conditions.

Major vessels include:
- Pulmonary Artery and Vein: essential for lung function.
- Superior and Inferior Vena Cavae: conduct deoxygenated blood to the heart.
- Aorta: the main artery delivering oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation.
Both the hepatic portal vein and hepatic vein play major roles in nutrient processing from the digestive system.
Renal arteries and veins are vital for waste removal through the kidneys.