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Section 12-1
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Summary
Your Cardiovascular System
(pp. 292–298)
Functions of the Cardiovascular System
Key Concept: The main functions of the cardiovascular system include
delivering materials to cells and carrying wastes away. In addition,
blood contains cells that fight disease.
• The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
The Heart
Key Concept: The atria receive blood entering the heart. Blood flows
from the atria to the ventricles, which pump blood out of the heart.
• Each side of the heart is made up of an upper chamber called an atrium
(plural, atria) and a lower chamber called a ventricle.
• Blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle. From there, it
is pumped to the lungs, where it exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen.
• Blood flows from the lungs to the left atrium. From there, it flows to the
left ventricle and is pumped through the aorta to the rest of the body.
• The brain and the pacemaker regulate how often the heart beats.
Blood Vessels
Key Concept: The three main types of blood vessels are arteries,
capillaries, and veins.
• Arteries carry blood away from the heart. Most arteries, except those that
carry blood from the heart to the lungs, carry oxygen-rich blood.
• Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels. Capillaries bring oxygen and
nutrients to the cells, and take wastes from the cells.
• Veins are large, thin-walled blood vessels that carry blood to the heart.
• Blood pressure is the force with which blood pushes against vessels.
• Normal blood pressure is within the range of 90/60 to 119/79.
• Hypertension is blood pressure that is consistently 140/90 or higher.
Blood
Key Concept: The four components of blood are plasma, red blood
cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Plasma is the liquid part of blood.
• Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.
• White blood cells help protect the body against disease.
• Platelets are cell fragments that help your blood clot.
• The four blood types are A, B, AB, and O.
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