The cardiovascular system
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and approximately 5 liters of blood that the blood vessels transport. This system is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and cellular waste products throughout the body and is powered by the body’s hardest-working organ — the heart, which is only about the size of a closed fist.
Functions of the cardiovascular system
1. Supplies oxygen and other nutrients to the rest of our body.
2. Carries waste and carbon dioxide out of our body.
3. Transports hormones.
2. Carries waste and carbon dioxide out of our body.
3. Transports hormones.
Heart structures
Components of blood
Blood is a thick tissue due to the fact that it is made up of a variety of cells, each having a different job. Blood carries oxygen from the lungs and nutrients from the digestive tract to the body's cells. It also carries away carbon dioxide and all of the waste products that your body doesn't need. Your blood also helps regulate your body temperature. Blood also contains hormones, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and gases. Blood is about 80% water and 20% solid. Blood is made mostly of plasma, but there are 3 main types of blood cells that circulate along with the plasma.
1. Platelets- These blood cells help the blood to clot, which stops the blood from flowing out of the body when a vein or artery is broken. They are also referred to as thrombocytes.
2. Red blood cells- These blood cells carry oxygen. Out of these 3 types of blood cells, you have the most of the red blood cells. Your body creates these blood cells at a rate of about 2.4 million a second. Their lifespan is about 120 days. They are also referred to as erythrocytes.
3. White blood cells- These blood cells fight against infection and are vital to the immune system. When the body is fighting off an infection, your body produces white blood cells in large amounts. They are also referred to as leukocytes.
1. Platelets- These blood cells help the blood to clot, which stops the blood from flowing out of the body when a vein or artery is broken. They are also referred to as thrombocytes.
2. Red blood cells- These blood cells carry oxygen. Out of these 3 types of blood cells, you have the most of the red blood cells. Your body creates these blood cells at a rate of about 2.4 million a second. Their lifespan is about 120 days. They are also referred to as erythrocytes.
3. White blood cells- These blood cells fight against infection and are vital to the immune system. When the body is fighting off an infection, your body produces white blood cells in large amounts. They are also referred to as leukocytes.
Blood pathway
VeinsVeins carry oxygen-poor blood back to your heart.They can be categorized into four main types: pulmonary, systemic, superficial, and deep veins.
|
aRTERIESArteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart. There are two main types of arteries: pulmonary arteries and systemic arteries.
|
cAPILLARIESCapillaries are the smallest of blood vessels and serve to distribute oxygenated blood from arteries to the tissues of the body and to feed deoxygenated blood from the tissues back into the veins.
|