Human Circulatory System

Overview

• The human circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, is a network of organs and vessels that transport blood throughout the body.
• Its primary function is to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs and remove waste products.

Components

• Heart: a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
• Arteries: blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
• Veins: blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
• Capillaries: tiny blood vessels where oxygen and nutrients are exchanged with the body's tissues.
• Blood: a liquid tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body.

Blood Flow

• Pulmonary circulation: the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
• Systemic circulation: the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients.
• Coronary circulation: the flow of blood to the heart muscle itself.

Blood Pressure

• Systolic pressure: the pressure exerted on blood vessels when the heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure: the pressure exerted on blood vessels when the heart is at rest.
• Blood pressure regulation: controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which adjusts heart rate and blood vessel diameter to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Functions

• Oxygen delivery: the circulatory system delivers oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.
• Nutrient delivery: the circulatory system delivers nutrients from the digestive system to the body's tissues.
• Waste removal: the circulatory system removes waste products from the body's tissues and transports them to the excretory organs.
• Regulation of body temperature: the circulatory system helps regulate body temperature by transporting heat from the core to the skin.