Understanding Blood Circulation: A Pathway Through the Body

Systemic circulation

1. Blood is pumped from the heart (left ventricle) through the aorta, which is the main artery in the body.

2. The aorta branches into smaller arteries, which deliver oxygenated blood to all tissues and organs in the body.

3. The blood then returns to the heart through the veins. The superior vena cava carries blood from the upper body, and the inferior vena cava carries blood from the lower body.

4. The blood empties into the right atrium of the heart.

Pulmonary circulation

1. Blood is pumped from the heart (right ventricle) through the pulmonary artery to the lungs.

2. In the lungs, the blood picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.

3. The oxygenated blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins.

4. The blood empties into the left atrium of the heart.