Understanding the Circulatory System
The Circulatory System: A Vital NetworkThe circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, is a complex network of organs and vessels that transport oxygenated blood throughout the body. It is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells and removing waste products. The circulatory system is made up of the heart, arteries, veins, and blood vessels.The heart is the central organ of the circulatory system, pumping blood throughout the body. It is a muscular organ that beats around 100,000 times per day, pumping around 2,000 gallons of blood. The heart is divided into four chambers: the left and right atria, and the left and right ventricles. The atria receive blood returning from the body, while the ventricles pump blood out of the heart.The arteries and veins are the vessels that carry blood throughout the body. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues, while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The blood vessels are divided into three main types: arteries, veins, and capillaries. Arteries are thick-walled vessels that carry oxygenated blood, while veins are thinner-walled vessels that carry deoxygenated blood. Capillaries are tiny vessels that allow for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between the blood and the body's tissues.