Circulatory System Part 1 Flashcards
What are the main functions of the circulatory system?
To supply oxygen to cells, supply nutrients such as glucose to cells, remove waste and carbon dioxide from cells and regulate the temperature of the body
What does the right side of the circulatory system deal with?
Deoxygenated blood
What does the left side of the circulatory system deal with?
Oxygenated blood
What is the role of the heart in the circulatory system?
To pump blood and substances around the body in tubes called blood vessels
What are the two circuits that the circulatory system consists of?
Pulmonary and systemic circulation
What does the pulmonary circulation do?
Carries blood from the heart to lungs and back
What does the systemic circulation do?
Carries blood from the heart to all parts of the body and back
What are the roles of veins and arteries?
Veins bring blood from the body to lungs, arteries carry blood away from the heart
What are coronary arteries?
The heart’s own blood supply
What do arteries contain?
Thick muscle, elastic fibres and carry blood away from the heart
What is the largest artery in the body?
Aorta
What do the thick muscles and elastic fibres allow arteries to do?
Thick muscles contract to push the blood along and elastic fibres allow the artery to stretch under pressure
What do veins contain?
Thin muscles and elastic fibres which carry blood towards the heart
What is the largest vein in the body?
Vena Cava
What is the role of a valve?
To stop blood from flowing in the wrong direction
