Anatomy & Physiology
A practical map of the body's structures and systems
Lesson 14 of 20
Cardiovascular system
The cardiovascular system circulates blood through the heart and vessels. It delivers oxygen and nutrients, carries wastes, distributes heat, and supports communication among tissues. The heart's chambers and valves maintain one-way flow, while vessels differ in structure and role. Blood itself is a specialized connective tissue containing cells and plasma.
Key points
- The right heart sends blood to the lungs; the left heart sends oxygenated blood to systemic tissues.
- Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins return it.
- Capillaries are exchange sites between blood and surrounding tissues.
- Red blood cells transport much oxygen using hemoglobin; platelets help form clots.
- Plasma is the fluid portion carrying dissolved substances and suspended components.
Key terms
- Myocardium
- Contractile muscular layer of the heart wall.
- Artery
- Vessel carrying blood away from the heart.
- Vein
- Vessel carrying blood toward the heart.
- Capillary
- Small vessel where exchange with tissues occurs.
- Hemoglobin
- Red-cell protein that binds and transports much of the blood's oxygen.
- Plasma
- Liquid portion of blood containing water, proteins, and dissolved substances.
Memory tip
Arteries away, veins return; vessel names describe direction, not oxygen content in every circuit.
Clinical note
Cardiovascular conditions and medications may affect session planning; follow intake, scope, and referral guidance.
Unit checkpoint
Lock it in: match the terms, then test yourself.