Cardiovascular system

The basic function of the cardiovascular system is to deliver nutritive material and oxygen to the cells. The circulatory system is a closed system, without communication with the outside, consisting of tubes, which are called vessels, and a percussive pump whose function is to drive a red circulating liquid throughout the vascular network.

The cardiovascular system consists of the Blood, Heart and Blood Vessels. In order for blood to reach body cells and exchange materials with them, it must be constantly propelled along blood vessels. The heart is the pump that promotes the circulation of blood through about 100 thousand kilometers of blood vessels.

Pulmonary and Systemic Circulation:

Pulmonary Circulation – carries blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs and back to the left atrium of the heart. It carries oxygen-poor blood to the lungs, where it releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and receives oxygen (O2). The oxygenated blood then returns to the left side of the heart to be pumped into the systemic circulation.

Systemic Circulation – is the largest circulation; it provides the blood supply to the entire body. The systemic circulation carries oxygen and other vital nutrients to the cells, and takes up carbon dioxide and other waste products from the cells.