Circulatory System Flashcards
function of the circulatory system
transports oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide and waste around the body
components of the circulatory system
heart
blood vessels
blood
heart
pumps blood cardiac muscle tissue nervous tissue connective tissue 4 parts: 2 atria 2 ventricles
atria
receives blood
ventricle
pumping
types of blood vessels
arteries
veins
capillaries
arteries
carries blood AWAY from the heart
walls of arteries are thicker than the walls of other blood vessels to withstand great pressure
veins
carries blood TOWARDS the heart
walls of veins are not as thick due to lower blood pressure
capillaries
tiny blood vessels with very thin walls that allow substances to diffuse between the blood and other body fluids and tissues, connects arteries and veins
types of blood cells
red blood cells
white blood cells
plasma
platelets
red blood cells
most plentiful in the body’s blood cells (40%-50%)
contains protein called hemoglobin, which allows the, to transport oxygen throughout the body
white blood cells
infection fighting cells
recognizes and destroys invading bacteria and viruses
less than 1% of blood’s volume
platelets
tiny cells that help in blood clotting
less than 1% of blood’s volume
plasma
protein-rich liquid that carries the blood cells along
50%-60% of blood’s volume
