Circulatory system Flashcards
What is the circulatory system?
The circulatory (or cardiovascular) system is made up of the heart, blood vessels (arteries, capillaries and veins) and blood.
The role of the circulatory system is to carry oxygen and nutrients from the lungs or digestive system to the cells of the body where they are needed and to carry waste products (such as carbon dioxide and urea) away from the cells to be excreted.
blood…
transports oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body
heart…
organ that pumps blood throughout your body.
It’s the primary organ of your circulatory system.
Your heart contains four main sections (chambers) made of muscle and powered by electrical impulses.
Your brain and nervous system direct your heart’s function.
veins…
blood vessel that carries blood to the heart from tissues and organs in the body
arteries…
blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to tissues and organs in the body
capillaries…
Capillaries are delicate blood vessels that exist throughout your body. They transport blood, nutrients and oxygen to cells in your organs and body systems. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in your vascular system
wall of a capillary is thin and leaky, and capillaries are involved in the exchange of fluids and gases between tissues and the blood.
