The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, includes the heart and blood vessels.
It plays an important role in transporting blood to organs and tissues throughout the body.
It has four chambers: two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles).
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
These chambers are separated by valves to keep blood flowing in the proper direction.
There are two main types of arteries: systemic arteries and pulmonary arteries.
The major arteries branch into smaller arteries, called arterioles.
These connect to capillaries, where the direct exchange of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues occurs.
Capillaries connect to veins which bring blood back to the heart.
Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart.
Veins have thinner walls than arteries.
They also have valves that prevent blood from flowing backward.
The right atrium receives oxygen-deprived blood from the body.
The pulmonary arteries carry the blood to the lungs, where it receives oxygen.
The now oxygen-rich blood travels to the pulmonary veins to the left atrium.
The left ventricle pumps blood across the aortic valve into the aorta, the body’s main artery.
The aorta branches into many arteries that carry blood all over the body.
These arteries further branch into arterioles, which bring blood to capillaries.
In the capillaries, gas exchange occurs.
This means oxygen travels to the tissues and carbon dioxide waste travels to the blood.
From here, the blood is carried by veins back to the right side of the heart.
This process is continuously occurring.
The heart pumps typically 60100 times per minute at rest to keep the blood flowing.
What Affects Cardiovascular System Function?
There are many things that can go wrong with the cardiovascular system.
Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attack and stroke, is the number one cause of death worldwide.
Associated Conditions and Dysfunction
Several conditions affect the function of the cardiovascular system.
These can be broken down into problems with the heart or the blood vessels.
Blood vessel problems can occur in arteries or veins.
In arteries, plaque buildup, blood clots, tears, or ruptures can occur.
There areseveral waysto keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.
These include:
Summary
The cardiovascular system includes the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins.
It plays a vital role in supplying blood with oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Problems with the cardiovascular system are common, but many are preventable.
Lifestyle management can help keep your cardiovascular system in good shape.
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National Cancer Institute.Classification and structure of blood vessels.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.How blood flows through the heart.
American Heart Association.All About Heart Rate.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:Heart Disease Facts.
American Heart Association.Facts about high blood pressure.
American Heart Association.What is cardiovascular disease?
American Heart Association.Heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest symptoms.
American Heart Association.Life’s essential 8.
