The Cardiovascular System
Edited By : Kianni Coleman
Structures & Functions of Cardiovascular System
- The Heart- A muscle that propels blood throughout the body
- The Blood Vessels- Series of elastic tubing that carry blood to the heart
- The Blood- A semi-viscous fluid that contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and a watery substance called plasma that contains proteins, sugars, fats, and minerals.
The Flow of Blood Through The Body
- Blood enters the heart two large veins, the inferior and superior vena cava, emptying oxygen-poor blood from the body into the right atrium of the heart. As the atrium contracts, blood flows from your right atrium into your right ventricle through the open tricuspid valve.
Types of Blood Vessels
- Arteries- carry the blood away from the heart.
- Capillaries- enable the actual exchange of water and chemicals between the blood and the tissues.
- Veins- carry blood from the capillaries back toward the heart.
Blood Cell Formation
- Red blood cells, most white blood cells, and platelets are produced in the bone marrow, the soft fatty tissue inside bone cavities.
- Hemopoiesis- continuous process by which the cellular constituents of blood are replenished as needed.
Cardiovasular Diseases
- Myocardial Infraction (Heart Attack)- A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. It requires a medical diagnosis and can be resolved within days or weeks.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse (Barlow Syndrome)- An improper closure of the valve between the heart´s upper and lower left chambers. Treatable by a medical professional and can last for years or be lifelong.
- Varicose veins- Gnarled, enlarged veins, most commonly appearing in the legs and feet. Can not be cured and can last for years or be lifelong.