The circulatory system is made up of three main components: the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The heart pumps blood throughout the body, while the blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) carry blood to and from the heart and to all parts of the body. The blood carries oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. This system includes two major circuits: pulmonary circulation (between the heart and lungs) and systemic circulation (between the heart and the rest of the body).
Components of the Circulatory System
- Heart: A muscular organ with four chambers (left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, right ventricle) that pumps blood.
- Blood Vessels:
- Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
- Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
- Capillaries: Tiny vessels where exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste with tissues occurs.
- Blood: The fluid that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
Circulation Types
- Pulmonary circulation: Carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation and back to the heart.
- Systemic circulation: Delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to body tissues and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Thus, the circulatory system encompasses the heart, blood vessels, and blood working together to sustain life by facilitating the continuous flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body.