Show The circulatory system consists of three independent systems that work together: the heart (cardiovascular), lungs (pulmonary), and arteries, veins, coronary and portal vessels (systemic). The system is responsible for the flow of blood, nutrients, oxygen and other gases, and as well as hormones to and from cells. An average adult has 5 to 6 quarts (4.7 to 5.6 liters) of blood, which is made up of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The heart is a muscular organ with four chambers. Located just behind and slightly left of the breastbone, it pumps blood through the network of arteries and veins called the cardiovas- cular system. The systemic circulation is a major portion of the circulatory system. The network of veins, arteries and blood vessels transports oxygenated blood from the heart, delivers oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells and then returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The system of blood vessels in the human body measure about 60,000 miles (96,560 kilometers). Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart through the body. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. The superior vena cava carries oxygen-poor blood into the heart. The aorta carries oxygenated blood from the heart to organs and tissues. Related:
Ross Toro is a contributing infographic artist for Live Science. He specializes in explanatory graphics that deal with science topics. Ross is a former art director of the Los Angeles Times, Associated Press and United Press International. He teaches Filipino martial arts when not dabbling in cartoons and animation. What is the vascular system?The vascular system is made up of the vessels that carry blood and lymph fluid through the body. It's also called the circulatory system. The arteries and veins carry blood all over the body. They send oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues. And they take away tissue waste. The lymph vessels carry lymphatic fluid. This is a clear, colorless fluid made of water and blood cells. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that helps rid the body of toxins and waste. It does this by filtering and draining lymph away from each region of the body. The vessels of the blood circulatory system are:
When the heart pumps, blood moves through the circulatory system. Blood leaving the heart through the arteries is full of oxygen. The arteries branch off into smaller and smaller tubes. These bring oxygen and other nutrients to the cells of the body's tissues and organs. The smallest tubes are called capillaries. As blood moves through the capillaries, the oxygen and other nutrients move out into the cells. Then waste matter from the cells goes into the capillaries. As the blood leaves the capillaries, it moves through the veins. Veins merge into larger tubes to carry the blood back to the heart. The vascular system is also an important part of other body systems. Examples include:
What is vascular disease?A vascular disease is a condition that affects the arteries and veins. Most often, a vascular disease affects blood flow. It may do this by blocking or weakening blood vessels. Or it may do this by causing damage to the valves that are in veins. Organs and other body areas may be harmed by vascular disease due to partly or fully blocked blood flow. What causes vascular disease?Causes of vascular disease include:
What are the effects of vascular disease?The functions of the blood vessels include supplying all organs and tissues of the body with oxygen and nutrients. They include removing waste products, fluid balance, and other functions. Because of all these functions, conditions that affect the vascular system may affect the part(s) of the body supplied by a certain vascular network. Examples of the effects of vascular disease include:
Vascular diseases may affect more than 1 of the body's systems at a time. Because of this, many types of doctors treat vascular problems. Specialists in vascular medicine or surgery work closely with doctors in other specialties. These include doctors of internal medicine, interventional radiology, cardiology, and others. |