Systemic circulation

Systemic circulation is the part of the cardiovascular system which carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body, and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Systemic circulation is distinct from pulmonary circulation, which is the portion of the cardiovascular system that carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart, to the lungs, and returns oxygenated blood back to the heart.

Overview

The systemic circulation can also be seen to function in two parts–a macrocirculation and a microcirculation. An average adult contains five to six quarts (roughly 4.7 to 5.7 liters) of blood, which consists of a large portion of systemic circulation. The systemic circulation and capillary networks are the sites of oxygen and nutrient delivery.

Function

The systemic circulation is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It also returns deoxygenated blood to the heart, which is then sent to the pulmonary circulation. The systemic circulation includes the arteries, veins, and capillaries that carry blood to and from the rest of the body.

Structure

The systemic circulation begins in the left ventricle of the heart, where oxygenated blood is pumped out via the aorta. The blood travels in the arteries, which branch out into smaller and smaller vessels, eventually becoming microscopic capillaries. Here, the exchange of oxygen and nutrients for waste products of metabolism occurs. The deoxygenated blood then travels in the venules, which coalesce into veins, eventually returning to the right atrium of the heart.

See also

• Cardiovascular system
• Pulmonary circulation
• Blood vessel
• Heart

Systemic circulation Resources
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