1. Introduction to Cardiovascular System
Clinical Science Team
School of Nursing and Midwifery

2. The Heart and blood vessels
Learning outcomes:
State component and functions of cardiovascular system
State the components and functions of circulatory system
Label a diagram of the heart, indicating its gross anatomical features
State the function of the heart and blood vessels
State the function of the right and left sides of the heart
State the function of the valves within the heart
Describe the blood flow through the heart
Outline the hearts electrical conduction pathway
Describe the pressure changes that occur in the ventricles during the cardiac cycle
Outline the neural and hormonal control of the heart

3. Cardiovascular System Components
Circulatory system
Pulmonary system (Respiratory system)
Lymphatic System (will be covered later)

4. Circulatory System Heart Arteries and arterioles Capillaries
Pumps blood
Arteries and arterioles
Carry blood away from heart
Capillaries
Exchange nutrients with tissues
Veins and venules
Carry blood toward heart
Blood
Act as transport medium - carries substances & gases

8. Systemic and Pulmonary Circuits
Systemic Circuit
Left side of heart
Pumps oxygenated blood to body via arteries
Returns deoxygenated blood to right heart via veins
Pulmonary Circuit
Right side of heart
Pumps deoxygenated blood to lungs via pulmonary arteries
Returns oxygenated blood to left heart via pulmonary veins

9. Functions of the Circulatory System
The circulatory system has the following main functions: 1. Transportation 2. Regulation 3. Protection

10. Functions of the Circulatory System
Transportation:
Respiratory: transports oxygen to the tissues and carbon dioxide back to the lungs
Nutritive: Absorbed digested products are transported to the liver and to tissues
Excretory: Waste products from metabolism are transported to the kidneys for excretion in urine

11. Functions of the Circulatory System
Regulation:
Hormonal: Hormones are carried from the endocrine glands to their target tissues
Temperature: The blood can be diverted to warm or cool the body

12. Functions of the Circulatory System
Protection:
Clotting: Blood contains clotting factors and platelets- when activated prevent blood loss through clot formation
Immune: Blood contains leucocytes (white blood cells), cytokines, and complement which protects against infective pathogens