Overview of the Cardiovascular System

Question 1

great vessels

Answer 1

arteries and veins entering and leaving the heart

Question 2

arteries

Answer 2

carry blood away from the heart

Question 3

veins

Answer 3

carry blood back to the heart

Question 4

right heart

Answer 4

directs blood to the lungs -> gas exchange

Question 5

left heart

Answer 5

directs blood to body tissues -> gas, nutrient, waste delivery

Question 6

heart valves

Answer 6

unidirectional blood flow -> prevent backflow

Question 7

pulmonary circulation

Answer 7

• right heart pumps deoxygenated blood through pulmonary arteries -> lungs
• after gas exchange, pulmonary veins carry blood -> left heart

Question 8

systemic circulation

Answer 8

• left heart pumps oxygenated blood through systemic arteries -> body’s cells
• nutrients, respiratory gases and wastes are exchanged, and systemic veins carry the blood back to right heart