Cardiovascular System
- relates to the heart, blood vessels and circulation in the body.
The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, refers to the network that transports blood throughout the body. It is composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
There are actually two circulatory systems: * The pulmonary circulation – sends blood from the heart to the lungs. * The systemic circulation – sends blood from the heart to all the other parts of our bodies.
Blood consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. It is pumped by the heart to flow through blood vessels to provide nutrients to and remove waste from cells and tissues of the body.
The heart is the key organ in …show more content…
* The adventitia – the tough covering that protects the exterior of the artery.
As they travel farther away from the heart, arteries branch out into arterioles, which are smaller and less flexible.
Veins carry blood back to the heart. They are not as muscular as arteries, but they contain valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards. Veins have the same three layers that arteries have. However veins are thinner and less flexible.
The two largest veins are the superior and inferior vena cavae. In this context, superior and inferior do not mean better and worse. The terms are referring to the locations of the vena cavae. The superior is located above and the inferior below the heart.
Capillaries connect the arteries and veins. They are the smallest, thinnest, and most common, though some of the most important parts of the cardiovascular system. It is through them that nutrients and oxygen are delivered to cells. Waste materials like carbon dioxide are also removed by …show more content…
A common sign of a congenital heart defect is a heart murmur. It is an abnormal sound, such as a blowing or gushing noise, that is heard when listening to a heart.
Some common examples of acquired cardiovascular disorders and diseases include hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, heart failure, congestive heart failure, etc. Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to sustain life. It often results from left side heart failure or lung disorders that obstruct pulmonary circulation. Congestive heart failure is the inability of the left ventricle to pump effectively. It is called congestive heart failure because it decreases the pumping pressure in the systemic circulation, causing the body to retain fluids.
It is better to stop these problems before they even occur. Exercising, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, maintaining an appropriate weight, and regular medical check-ups are some ways to keep the heart healthy and avoid long term cardiovascular disorders and