ZM-182345

Cardiovascular System

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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 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 red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and 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 crucial role in maintaining body temperature and pH balance.

Oxygen and Nutrient Transport

Oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the heart to the rest of the body through the arteries. Nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract are also transported to cells via the bloodstream.

Waste Removal

Carbon dioxide and other metabolic wastes are transported from the cells back to the heart and then to the lungs, where carbon dioxide is exhaled.

Disorders

The cardiovascular system can be affected by various disorders, including:

• Hypertension: High blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
• Atherosclerosis: Hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup.
• Heart Attack: Occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.
• Stroke: Occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted.

Related Pages

• Respiratory system
• Endocrine system
• Nervous system