1.10 The Functions Of The Cardiovascular System

Question 1

What are the 3 functions of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 1

Transport
Clotting
Temperature regulation

Question 2

What does blood transport?

Answer 2

It carries oxygen and nutrients (such as glucose), blood delivers what body needs to work.

It also carries away waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
This is crucial during physical activity, because requirements of oxygen and nutrients go up when a person is exercising. Same as the need to transport carbon dioxide and lactic acid away from the muscles

Question 3

How and why does blood clot?

Answer 3

Platelets in blood form clots, which seal open wounds quickly. This process is important in guarding the body against infection and excessive bleeding.

During many physical activities, the risk of a cut increases therefore clotting is important to ensure such injured aren’t life threatening

Question 4

How does the body regulate temperature?

Answer 4

By controlling internal diameter (lumen) of blood vessels, and be body is able to maintain temperature fairly effectively at 37•C.

When body is too hot vasodilation takes place, increasing blood flow to skin where it is cooled. During physical activity body generates more heat, therefore more important to regulate temperature so they don’t overheat.

Overheating can lead to headaches, confusion and even loss of consciousness.