Cardiovascular System Overview

Cardiovascular System

• The cardiovascular system is comprised of the heart and a system of vessels.
• The system distributes blood to body tissues and lungs for gas exchange.

Functions of the Cardiovascular System

• Transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues.
• Removes carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs.
• Eliminates metabolic waste products.
• Transports hormones throughout the body.
• Maintains fluid balance (water equilibrium).
• Regulates body temperature.
• Aids in disease defense through blood antibodies.

Heart

• Located in the mediastinal space of the thorax.
• Cone-shaped and hollow muscular organ.
• Divided into four chambers: two atria and two ventricles (right and left).
• The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
• The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
• The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
• The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body.

Heart Valves

• Atrioventricular (AV) valves prevent backflow of blood from ventricles to atria.
• Right AV valve (tricuspid valve) has three cusps.
• Left AV valve (bicuspid or mitral valve) has two cusps.
• Semilunar valves prevent backflow into ventricles.
• Aortic valve is at the base of the aorta.
• Pulmonary valve is at the base of the pulmonary artery.

Heart Sounds

• Two sounds (lubb-dupp) are heard through a stethoscope during a heartbeat.
• The "lubb" sound is caused by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves.
• The "dupp" sound is caused by closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves.

Blood Vessels

• Types of blood vessels: arteries, arterioles, veins, venules, and capillaries.
• Arteries carry blood away from the heart.
• Arterioles are small branches of arteries that deliver blood to capillaries.
• Veins carry blood back to the heart.
• Venules are small veins that collect blood from capillaries and deliver it to veins.
• Capillaries are the smallest vessels, facilitating gas and nutrient exchange.

Blood Vessel Structure

• Blood vessels become smaller as they move away from the heart.
• Arteries divide into arterioles, and veins divide into venules.

Capillaries

• Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels.
• They facilitate the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.
• Capillary walls are thin to allow for efficient diffusion.

Blood Circulation

• Systemic circulation carries blood throughout the body.
• Coronary circulation supplies blood to the heart.
• Hepatic circulation involves blood to the liver.
• Cerebral circulation involves arterial blood to the brain.
• Renal circulation involves blood to the kidneys.
• Splanchnic circulation supplies the digestive tract.
• Pulmonary circulation carries blood to and from the lungs.

Blood Composition

• Plasma: the liquid part of blood, predominantly water, carrying dissolved substances.
• Blood cells: Erythrocytes (red blood cells), Leukocytes (white blood cells), and Thrombocytes (platelets).
  • Red blood cells are the most numerous, carrying hemoglobin for oxygen transport.
  • White blood cells are part of the immune system, defending against infection.
  • Platelets are involved in blood clotting.

Lymphatic System

• The lymphatic system is a network of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph organs.

• It maintains fluid balance in the body and is part of the body's immune system.

• Lymph vessels are thin-walled, blind-ended vessels carrying lymph (fluid) towards the heart.

• Lymph nodes filter lymph and are a barrier against infection.

• Lymph organs include bone marrow, tonsils, thymus, and spleen.

Explore the essential components and functions of the cardiovascular system, focusing on the heart, its chambers, and valves. This quiz covers the system's role in transporting oxygen, removing waste, and maintaining body balance. Test your knowledge on cardiovascular anatomy and physiology.