Download Circulatory System Notes

Name: ___________________________________________
Period:___________
The Circulatory (Cardiovascular) System
Learning Targets
 I can explain the functions of the circulatory system.
 I can explain how blood circulates through the body.
 I can identify ways to keep your circulatory system healthy.
 Your Heart and Blood Vessels
The circulatory system is the group of organs and tissues that transport essential materials to body cells and remove
their waste products.
The circulatory system is also called the cardiovascular system. It consists of the following:
 The heart
 The blood vessels
 The blood
The heart is composed of cardiac muscle. It pumps blood throughout the network of blood vessels.
The blood flows through three types of vessels:
 Arteries
 Veins
 Capillaries
 How Circulation Works
Two types of circulation work together to keep body cells supplied with nutrients and free of waste products.
 Pulmonary circulation carries the blood from the heart, through the lungs, and back to the heart.
 Pulmonary means: having to do with the lungs
 Systemic circulation sends oxygen-rich blood to all the body tissues except the lungs.
 What’s in Your Blood
Over half the volume of blood is plasma. The rest of the volume of blood is made up of three kinds of cells:
 Red blood cells
 White blood cells
 Cell fragments, called platelets
The different parts of the blood carry out several important functions in the body, such as:
 Transporting various substances through the body.
 Protecting the body from harm.
 Blood Pressure
When you have a medical checkup, the nurse or doctor may take your blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels.
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, usually written in the following way:
110(systolic) /70(diastolic)
 Blood Types
All blood is not the same. The four types: A, B, AB, and O are classified according to the type of red blood cells they
contain.
Some blood types are compatible and can coexist in a person’s body. Compatible blood types can be mixed safely.
Blood may also contain a substance called an Rh factor.
People who are Rh positive have this substance. Rh negative blood does not contain this substance.
People with Rh positive blood can receive blood from people who are either Rh positive or Rh negative. Rh negative
people can receive blood only from people who are Rh-negative.
 Caring for Your Circulatory System
You can take action now to care for your circulatory system throughout your life.
 Eat a balanced diet that is low in fats.
 Learn to manage stress.
 Avoid smoking.
 Participate in activities that build heart and lung endurance.