Circulatory Flashcards
Circulatory system
Responsible for pumping blood around the body and therefore transporting gases, nutrients and wastes.
Also has a role in fighting infection and blood clotting.
Superior vena cava
This vein collects blood from structures above the heart and empties into the right atrium.
inferior vena cava
This vein collects blood from structures below the heart and empties into the right atrium.
Right atrium
Upper chamber of the right hand side of the heart.
Receives blood from the vena cava.
Right ventricle
Lower chamber of the right hand side of the heart.
Receives blood from the right atrium.
Pulmonary artery
Takes blood from the right ventricle to lungs to become oxygenated.
Pulmonary vein
Brings oxygenated back from the lungs and into the left atrium.
Left atrium
Upper chamber of the left hand side of the heart.
Receives blood from the pulmonary veins.
Left ventricle
Lower chamber of the left hand side of the heart.
Receives blood from the left atrium.
aorta
Very large, muscular and elastic artery.
Takes blood from the left ventricle and pumps it out towards the body.
Blood
All nutrients and wastes are carried in the blood.
Red Blood cells
gas transport
White blood cells
immune system
Platelets
responsible for clotting
Plasma
liquid part of blood
Blood vessels
The blood is contained in a closed circuit of blood vessels, including:
Arteries
Veins
Capillaries
arteries
Arteries carry blood away from the heart.
Walls are thick and elastic as blood is under high pressure.
veins
Carry blood towards the heart.
Walls are thinner as blood is under lower pressure and have valves to stop blood from flowing the wrong way.
Capillaries
One cell thick blood vessels that sit directly next to alveoli or body cells and exchange materials
