Cardiovascular System: Function, Physiology & Key Roles

The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to transport blood throughout the body to supply tissues with oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products.

- Oxygen and nutrient delivery: The heart pumps oxygenated blood through the arteries to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues in the body.

- Waste product removal: The cardiovascular system also collects waste products like carbon dioxide and carries them back to the lungs and kidneys for elimination.

The cardiovascular system has several components:

- Heart: A muscular organ responsible for pumping blood.

- Blood vessels: Arteries, capillaries, and veins through which blood flows.

- Blood: Fluid that contain red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma

The cardiovascular system consists of two circuits: pulmonary and systemic.

. Pulmonary Circulation:

- Transports blood ( deoxygenated blood) from the heart to the lungs and back for gas exchange

. Systemic Circulation.

- Pumps oxygenated blood from the heart throughout the body tissues and then back to the heart, to start the pulmonary circulation all over again.