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The circulatory system (also called the cardiovascular system) is the body’s
transport system. Its main job is to carry blood, oxygen, nutrients, hormones,
and other important substances to all parts of the body. It also helps remove
waste products like carbon dioxide.
This system is made up of three main parts:
Heart – A strong muscular organ that pumps blood around the body. Blood – The fluid that carries oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials. Blood Vessels – The pathways or tubes through which blood flows.
- Arteries (carry blood away from the heart)
- Veins (carry blood back to the heart)
- Capillaries (tiny vessels where exchange of oxygen and nutrients happens) Why the Circulatory System Is Important
- Delivers oxygen to cells so they can produce energy.
- Transports nutrients from food to different body parts.
- Removes waste products from the body.
- Helps maintain body temperature.
- Protects the body through white blood cells
Blood vessels are the tubes that carry blood throughout the body. They are part of the circulatory system and help transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. There are three main types of blood vessels:
Arteries
- Carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
- Have thick, strong, and elastic walls because they carry blood at high pressure.
- Main artery: Aorta Examples:
- Aorta
- Pulmonary artery (exception: carries deoxygenated blood)
Veins
- Carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.
- Have thin walls and valves to prevent backflow of blood.
- Blood flows under low pressure. Examples:
- Superior vena cava
- Inferior vena cava
- Pulmonary vein (exception: carries oxygen-rich blood)
Capillaries
- Smallest and thinnest blood vessels.
- Connect arteries and veins.
- Exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste happens here.
- Walls are only one cell thick.