Circulatory System Overview

The circulation of blood from the heart to the lungs and then back to the heart. This circuit is responsible for oxygenating the blood.

The circulation of blood from the heart to the rest of the body and back to the heart. It delivers oxygenated blood to tissues and removes waste products.

The force that propels blood throughout the circulatory system. It is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

Blood flow is primarily controlled by the needs of the tissues. This means that areas of the body requiring more oxygen or nutrients will receive more blood flow.

The total cardiac output is equal to the sum of the blood flow to all the tissues in the body.

The pressure in the arteries, which drives blood flow through the circulatory system.

A type of blood flow characterized by smooth, streamlined movement of blood. The blood cells move in parallel layers.

A type of blood flow characterized by chaotic and irregular movement of blood. Blood cells move in a turbulent, chaotic manner.

The movement of blood throughout the body, consisting of systemic and pulmonary circulation.

Tiny blood vessels that serve as a bridge between arteries and veins, allowing for the exchange of substances between blood and cells.

A smooth, streamlined flow of blood where cells move in parallel, similar to a river flowing steadily.

A chaotic and irregular flow of blood where cells move in a turbulent, swirling manner.

The measure of how difficult it is for blood to flow through a vessel, influenced by vessel diameter and blood viscosity.

The ability of blood vessels to adjust their diameter in response to changes in blood flow, allowing for precise regulation based on tissue needs.

The flow of blood is directly proportional to the difference in pressure between two points in the circulatory system. This means the greater the pressure difference, the faster the blood flows.

Resistance to blood flow is defined as the opposition to blood flow that is encountered as blood moves through the circulatory system.

Blood flow is inversely proportional to the resistance to blood flow. This means that the higher the resistance, the slower the blood flow.

Blood flow is inversely proportional to the radius of the blood vessel. This means that the smaller the radius, the higher the resistance to blood flow.

A mathematical formula describing the relationship between blood flow, pressure, viscosity, vessel length, and vessel radius.

A principle in fluid dynamics that states that an increase in the speed of a fluid (like blood) is accompanied by a decrease in pressure or a decrease in potential energy. When blood flows through a narrowing vessel, its speed increases, and the pressure decreases.

A frictional force that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels as it flows. It's proportional to blood velocity and viscosity and inversely related to vessel radius.

The tension that develops in blood vessel walls due to the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the vessel. It increases with higher pressure and vessel size.

The delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, as well as the removal of waste products like carbon dioxide.

Arteries are responsible for transporting blood under high pressure from the heart to the tissues.

Arterioles act as control points, regulating the flow of blood into the capillaries.

Capillaries are the microscopic blood vessels where exchange of gases, nutrients, waste products, and other substances happens between blood and tissues.

The venous system has a larger capacity to hold blood compared to the arterial system.