Circulatory System Flashcards
Heart definition
Acts as a pump to propel blood around the body.
Blood definition
Carries the oxygen & nutrients our bodies need.
Blood vessels definition
Carry & transport the blood.
How blood flows on the left side of the heart.
☆Oxygenated blood from the lungs enters the left atrium through the pulmonary vein.
☆The left atrium contracts + the blood passes to the left ventricle.
☆Once the left ventricle is full, it contracts.
☆The oxygenated blood is pushed out to the body via the aorta
How blood flows through the right side of the heart.
☆Blood loses oxygen in the body cells, returns to the heart + enters the right atrium through the vena cava.
☆The blood’s low on O² + high in CO²
☆The right atrium contracts + the blood passes to the right ventricle.
☆Once the right ventricle is full, it contracts. Blood is pumped through the pulmonary artery to the lungs.
When a valve is open…
blood can flow freely.
When a valve is closed…
Blood is prevented from flowing backwards.
Composition of blood
♡Plasma
♡Red blood cells
♡White blood cells
♡Platelets
Plasma function
To transport nutrients + waste + to regulate body temperature.
Red blood cells function
Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body.
White blood cells function
Protects against infection: some produce antibodies; others attack & destroy bacteria & viruses
Platelets function
They help prevent blood loss by forming blood clots.
Arteries definition
Carry blood away from the heart.
A=Away.
Veins carry blood…
Back to the heart.
Capillaries definition
Very thin blood vessels that bring oxygen + nutrients into cells & organs. Capillaries also remove waste products.
