Circulatory System Flashcards
Circulatory System
Comprised of cardiovascular and lymphatic systems working together to supply muscles and organs with oxygen and nutrients needed for function, waste product elimination, and protection against illness
Heart
Divided into four chambers: right and left atria (upper chambers) and right and left ventricles (lower chambers).
Main function: to pump oxygenated blood to the tissues via the arteries
Arteries
Carry oxygenated blood to the tissues
Veins
Carry waste products such as carbon dioxide to be excreted from the body after tissues use oxygenated blood
Myocardium
Heart muscle; innervated by the autonomic nervous system
Lymphatic system
Works with cardiovascular system to ward off disease and other infections.
Thymus gland
Produces lymphocytes; involved in lymphatic system to filter bacteria from the body
Lymphocytes
Disease-fighting cells that circulate throughout the body via the blood
Lymph nodes
Can be found circulating throughout the body, but are concentrated in the cervical, axillary, and inguinal regions.
Act as a filtration system to trap toxic and infectious substances
Cervical
Upper spine region, C1-C7 vertebrae (neck area)
Axillary
Armpit area
Inguinal
Groin area
Spleen
Largest organ in lymphatic system in upper far left part of the abdomen; involved in lymphatic system to filter bacteria from the body
Tonsils
Small soft tissue mass located toward the rear of the throat; involved in lymphatic system to filter bacteria from the body
