The Circulatory System circulatory system: the organ system that is made up of the heart, the blood, and the blood vessels; the system that transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and carries away wastes The circulatory system is an organ system made up of the blood, the heart, and the blood vessels. The function of the circulatory system is to move nutrients and gases (O2) to all of the cells of the body and to carry wastes (including CO2) through the bloodstream to either the lungs or the kidneys where they are excreted. The circulatory system is also important for the regulation of body temperature and the transport of disease-fighting white blood cells

Parts of the Circulatory System Blood Blood consists of four components: Red blood cells – make up almost half of the volume of blood; contain a protein called hemoglobin which allows them to transport oxygen throughout the body White blood cells – make up less than 1% of volume of blood; infection-fighting cells Platelets – make up less than 1% of volume of blood; help in blood clotting Plasma – makes up over half of blood’s volume; protein-rich liquid that carries blood cells along

The Heart The heart is made up of three different types of tissues: cardiac muscle tissue, nerve tissue, and connective tissue. Your heart pumps with a regular beat. The frequency of the beat (heart rate) changes depending on your physical activity, stress, temperature, and your general health

Blood Vessels Three types of blood vessel transport blood throughout the body. These three types of blood vessels are: arteries, veins, and capillaries. Arteries carry blood away from the heart. The walls of arteries are thicker than the other blood vessels to withstand the pressure of the blood leaving the heart. Veins carry blood toward the heart. The walls of the veins are not as thick as the arteries.

Blood Vessels Arteries and veins are linked together by the capillaries. (Figure 4, pg 84) Capillaries are tiny blood vessels with very thin walls that allow substances to diffuse between the blood and other body fluids. Every part of the body is supplied with blood by a network of capillaries.

Diseases and Disorders of the Circulatory System Coronary Artery Disease Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect the function of the heart Coronary artery disease occurs when the coronary arteries become partially blocked with plaque (deposit of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances that normally circulate in the blood). This buildup of plaque can be caused by genetics or by poor lifestyle choices (high fat diet, smoking, and lack of exercise).

Coronary Artery Disease Coronary artery disease occurs when the coronary arteries become partially blocked with plaque (deposit of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances that normally circulate in the blood). This buildup of plaque can be caused by genetics or by poor lifestyle choices (high fat diet, smoking, and lack of exercise).

Heart Attack If the coronary arteries become completely blocked with plaque or a blot clot, the heart muscle stops pumping, and the heart tissue starts to die. Symptoms of a possible heart attack include the following:  Chest pain or pressure  Shortness of breath  Nausea  Anxiety  Upper body pain  Abdominal or stomach pain  Sweating  Dizziness  Unusual fatigue

Angiograms and electrocardiograms are two medical technologies that are used to help diagnose abnormalities in the circulatory system.