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Learn about the functions and components of the circulatory system, including the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Discover how the heart works, different types of blood vessels, the pathway of blood, and ways to maintain cardiovascular health.
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Circulatory System • Often called the cardiovascular system • Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood
Functions • Carries needed substances to cells such as glucose and oxygen. • Carries unwanted waste away from cells • Contains cells in blood that fight disease
The Heart • Hollow organ made of cardiac muscle • 2 upper chambers are called atria that receive blood. • 2 lower chambers are called ventricles that pump blood
How the Heart Works • Two phases • Heart muscle relaxes and fills with blood • Heart muscle contracts and pumps blood forward • “Lub-dup”- sound of your heartbeat as valves close when heart is pumped
Kinds of Blood Vessels • Arteries- carries blood away from the heart • Veins-carries blood to the heart • Capillaries-tiny vessels that exchange substances between blood and body cells (usually by diffusion)
Pathway of Blood • Loop One- “Picking up oxygen” • Oxygen poor blood: Heart>lungs>heart • Loop Two- “Dropping off Oxygen” • Oxygen rich blood: Heart>body>heart
Pulse vs. Blood Pressure Pulse Blood pressure • expansion and contraction of arteries • determines number of heartbeats. • force of blood caused by ventricles contracting • measured with a sphygmomanometer
Cardiovascular Disease • Atherosclerosis- occurs when fatty materials such as cholesterol build up in the arteries possibly leading to a heart attack. • Hypertension- occurs when blood pressure is too high causing the heart to work harder.
Maintaining Cardiovascular Health • Exercise regularly • Eat balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium • Reduce stress • Avoid smoking.