Circulatory system - Function, Definition - Human Anatomy | Kenhub

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The circulatory system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, with two main circuits, the pulmonary and systemic circuits. The heart, a pump with four chambers, pumps blood throughout the body, and blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, serve different functions in the circulation process.

Insights

  • The circulatory system comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood, divided into the pulmonary circuit (heart-lungs) and the systemic circuit (heart-tissues), ensuring oxygen and nutrient distribution throughout the body.
  • Blood vessels have unique roles: arteries carry blood from the heart under high pressure, veins return blood to the heart aided by valves, and capillaries enable gas exchange due to their thin structure, collectively supporting the circulatory system's functions.

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Recent questions

  • What is the circulatory system composed of?

    The circulatory system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

  • How many chambers does the heart have?

    The heart has four chambers - two atria and two ventricles.

  • What is the function of arteries in the circulatory system?

    Arteries carry blood away from the heart under high pressure.

  • What is the role of veins in the circulatory system?

    Veins transport blood towards the heart under low pressure.

  • How does the circulatory system facilitate gas exchange?

    Capillaries facilitate gas exchange due to their thin walls and one-cell layer endothelial lining.

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Summary

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"Essentials of the Circulatory System"

  • The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, with two main circuits: the pulmonary circuit between the heart and lungs, and the systemic circuit between the heart and peripheral tissues.
  • The heart, a muscle acting as a pump, has four chambers - two atria and two ventricles - that collect and pump blood, with the right side pumping deoxygenated blood and the left side oxygenated blood. The cardiac output, around 5.6 liters in males and 4.9 liters in females, is calculated by multiplying heart rate by stroke volume.
  • Blood vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries, each with distinct functions and structures. Arteries carry blood away from the heart under high pressure, veins transport blood towards the heart under low pressure with valves to prevent backflow, and capillaries facilitate gas exchange due to their thin walls and one-cell layer endothelial lining.
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