circulatory system

Chambers

Valves

Arteries

Veins

Capillaries

Pathway

Oxygenation of blood

Pathway

Exchange of gases

Definition and function

Definition

The circulatory system is a network of organs and vessels that transports blood

oxygen

nutrients

and hormones throughout the body

Function

Major components

Heart

Blood vessels

Tubes that carry blood

including arteries

veins

and capillaries

Heart

Chambers

Valves

Valves in the heart ensure that blood flows in the correct direction

preventing backflow

Blood vessels

Arteries

Veins

Capillaries

Tiny

thin-walled vessels that allow for the exchange of gases and nutrients between the blood and surrounding tissues

Transportation of oxygen and nutrients

Oxygen

Nutrients

Removal of waste products

Carbon dioxide

The circulatory system carries carbon dioxide

a waste product of cellular respiration

from the cells to the lungs for exhalation

Metabolic waste

Regulation of body temperature

The circulatory system helps regulate body temperature by transporting heat from the core to the skin's surface

where it can be released

Immune response

The circulatory system carries white blood cells and antibodies to fight against pathogens and infections

Systemic circulation

Pathway

Oxygenated blood is pumped from the heart's left ventricle through the aorta

which branches into smaller arteries

and eventually reaches the body's tissues

Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through the veins

Oxygenation of blood

At the capillaries

oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide

and the blood becomes oxygenated before returning to the heart

Pulmonary circulation

Pathway

Deoxygenated blood is pumped from the heart's right ventricle to the lungs through the pulmonary artery

In the lungs

carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen

and the blood becomes oxygenated

Oxygenated blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins

Exchange of gases

At the lungs' alveoli

oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream

and carbon dioxide is released into the lungs to be exhaled

Hypertension

High blood pressure that can lead to heart disease

stroke

and other complications

Atherosclerosis

The buildup of plaque in the arteries

narrowing them and restricting blood flow

Heart failure

Stroke

A disruption of blood supply to the brain

leading to cell damage and potential loss of function

Blood clots

Abnormal clotting of blood

which can lead to blockages in blood vessels

Arrhythmias