Circulatory System Overview

Overview of the Circulatory System

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

Functions of the Circulatory System

• Transports oxygen and nutrients from the lungs and digestive system to the body's tissues
• Removes waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid, from the body's tissues
• Regulates body temperature
• Maintains healthy blood pressure
• Supports immune function by transporting white blood cells to areas of the body where they are needed

Components of the Circulatory System

Heart

• Muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body
• Divided into four chambers: left and right atria, and left and right ventricles
• Receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps oxygenated blood from the lungs to the body

Arteries

• Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues
• Divided into two main categories: elastic arteries and muscular arteries
• Elastic arteries, such as the aorta, are able to stretch to accommodate increased blood pressure
• Muscular arteries, such as the femoral artery, are able to constrict and dilate to regulate blood flow

Veins

• Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues back to the heart
• Have one-way valves to prevent backflow and ensure blood keeps moving towards the heart
• Divided into two main categories: superficial veins and deep veins
• Superficial veins are located close to the surface of the skin and are often visible
• Deep veins are located deeper in the body and are often accompanied by arteries

Blood Vessels

• Capillaries: tiny blood vessels where oxygen and nutrients are exchanged with the body's tissues
• Venules: small blood vessels that collect blood from capillaries and transport it to veins
• Arterioles: small blood vessels that branch off from arteries and transport blood to capillaries

Blood

• Liquid tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body
• Composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• Plasma: liquid portion of blood that carries proteins, nutrients, and waste products
• Red blood cells: carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues
• White blood cells: part of the immune system and help fight infection
• Platelets: involved in blood clotting and help prevent excessive bleeding

Blood Pressure and Circulation

• Blood pressure: force exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels
• Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure
• Systolic pressure: highest pressure, occurs when the heart beats
• Diastolic pressure: lowest pressure, occurs when the heart is at rest
• Circulation: movement of blood throughout the body, driven by the heart's pumping action and the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels.

Overview of the Circulatory System

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

Functions of the Circulatory System

• Transports oxygen and nutrients from the lungs and digestive system to the body's tissues
• Removes waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid, from the body's tissues
• Regulates body temperature
• Maintains healthy blood pressure
• Supports immune function by transporting white blood cells to areas of the body where they are needed

Components of the Circulatory System

Heart

• Muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body
• Divided into four chambers: left and right atria, and left and right ventricles
• Receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps oxygenated blood from the lungs to the body

Arteries

• Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues
• Divided into two main categories: elastic arteries and muscular arteries
• Elastic arteries, such as the aorta, are able to stretch to accommodate increased blood pressure
• Muscular arteries, such as the femoral artery, are able to constrict and dilate to regulate blood flow

Veins

• Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues back to the heart
• Have one-way valves to prevent backflow and ensure blood keeps moving towards the heart
• Divided into two main categories: superficial veins and deep veins
• Superficial veins are located close to the surface of the skin and are often visible
• Deep veins are located deeper in the body and are often accompanied by arteries

Blood Vessels

• Capillaries: tiny blood vessels where oxygen and nutrients are exchanged with the body's tissues
• Venules: small blood vessels that collect blood from capillaries and transport it to veins
• Arterioles: small blood vessels that branch off from arteries and transport blood to capillaries

Blood

• Liquid tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body
• Composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• Plasma: liquid portion of blood that carries proteins, nutrients, and waste products
• Red blood cells: carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues
• White blood cells: part of the immune system and help fight infection
• Platelets: involved in blood clotting and help prevent excessive bleeding

Blood Pressure and Circulation

• Blood pressure: force exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels
• Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure
• Systolic pressure: highest pressure, occurs when the heart beats
• Diastolic pressure: lowest pressure, occurs when the heart is at rest
• Circulation: movement of blood throughout the body, driven by the heart's pumping action and the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels.

Learn about the circulatory system, its functions, and how it maintains the body's overall health. This system is crucial for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.