The Circulatory System AKA the Cardiovascular System 3

The Circulatory System (AKA the Cardiovascular System)

3 Main Parts of the Circulatory System �Heart �Blood vessels

Functions �To bring oxygen (O 2), nutrients (from digested food), and hormones TO the body cells and… �To TAKE AWAY carbon dioxide (CO 2) and other cell wastes

The Heart Muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the entire body

What happens when you exercise? BOTH your heartbeat & breathing increase… BUT WHY? ? Your working muscle cells need more oxygen when you are exercising. Your brain sends a signal to your heart & lungs to work faster to bring in more oxygen & get it to the cells faster!!

Blood vessels 3 types of tubes that carry blood throughout the body: Arteries Capillaries Veins

Arteries Carry oxygenated blood AWAY from the heart (remember: arteries away) The aorta is the largest artery.

Veins �Carry deoxygenated blood BACK to the heart Valves in the vein – like gates that only open one way.

Capillaries �Smallest blood vessels which connect arteries and veins n Deliver oxygen and nutrients (food) to each body cell

The Blood 4 parts (components): Red blood cells (RBCs) White blood cells (WBCs) Platelets Plasma

Plasma �the liquid part of blood that carries the blood cells, nutrients, and hormones

Red Blood Cells �carry oxygen (O 2) to body cells using a chemical called hemoglobin

White Blood Cells �Fight germs like bacteria and viruses �Like the “cops” of the bloodstream This picture shows a white blood cell “reaching out” to grab onto bacteria (which it will then destroy)

Platelets �form a net (using a chemical called fibrin) to clot the blood and stop you from bleeding This picture shows red blood cells that have been caught in the net made by platelets. This is how your body stops bleeding when a vessel is cut.