Circulatory System Overview

Circulatory System

• The main function of the circulatory system is to transport oxygen and nutrients to cells and remove waste products.

Heart Function

• The left ventricle pumps blood out of the heart.
• The mitral valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle.

Blood Vessels

• Arteries, veins, and capillaries circulate blood throughout the body.
• The main function of arteries is to carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
• The superior and inferior vena cavae carry deoxygenated blood from the upper and lower body, respectively, back to the heart.

Blood Flow

• The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen.
• The superior vena cava brings blood up from the upper body to the heart.

Heart Structure

• The pericardium encloses the heart and protects it.

Vein Function

• Valves in the veins of the legs prevent blood from flowing backwards and allow it to flow upwards towards the heart.

Capillary Function

• The function of capillaries is to allow for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients with cells and remove waste products.

Blood Function

• Blood carries waste materials from the body's cells to the excretory organs for removal.