Pulmonary and systemic circulation

Question 1

The heart, a double pump, includes two circuits, name them?

Answer 1

The pulmonary circulation path

The systemic circulation path

Question 2

In summary, what does the pulmonary circulation path do?

Answer 2

Brings the blood from the heart to the lungs and then back into the heart again.

Question 3

Explain the process of pulmonary circulation.

Answer 3

De-oxygenated blood enters the hearts right atrium through the superior and inferior vena cava veins
The right atrium contracts, pumping the blood into the right ventricle
The right ventricle contracts, pumping the blood up into the pulmonary artery, where it is then taken to the lungs for gas exchange via the left and right pulmonary arteries
The atria relaxes, allowing newly oxygenated blood to flow into the left atrium via the pulmonary veins

Question 4

In summary, what does the systemic circulation path do?

Answer 4

Brings blood from the heart to the body and then back again to the heart.

Question 5

Explain the process of systemic circulation.

Answer 5

Newly oxygenated blood enters the left atria via the pulmonary veins
The left atrium contracts, pushing the blood into the left ventricle
When the left ventricle contracts blood is pumped into the aorta
From the aorta blood travels through the arteries and arterioles to the capillary beds in the tissues, where gaseous exchange takes place
Newly de-oxygenated blood travels back by the venues and veins into the heart via the inferior or superior vena cava - dependent on what part of the body its coming from
Blood enters the right atria ready to undertake the pulmonary circulation path