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Cardiovascular System

Diagram of the human cardiovascular system

The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, is an organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells to and from the cells in the body to provide nourishment and help in fighting diseases, stabilize temperature and pH, and maintain homeostasis.

Components

The cardiovascular system consists of the following major components:

Heart

The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood through the blood vessels of the circulatory system. It is located in the thoracic cavity, between the lungs, and is divided into four chambers: the left and right atria and the left and right ventricles.

Blood Vessels

Blood vessels are the channels or conduits through which blood is distributed to body tissues. There are three major types of blood vessels:

• Arteries: Vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
• Veins: Vessels that carry blood towards the heart.
• Capillaries: Microscopic vessels where the exchange of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and many other nutrients and waste substances occurs between blood and the tissues.

Blood

Blood is a specialized bodily fluid that delivers necessary substances to the body's cells and transports waste products away from those same cells. It is composed of blood cells suspended in blood plasma.

Function

The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to transport nutrients and oxygen to cells and remove waste products. It also plays a role in:

• Regulating body temperature
• Maintaining pH balance
• Protecting the body from disease and infection

Related Pages

• Respiratory system
• Nervous system
• Endocrine system