Notes: Circulatory System
Basics
Theme of the Unit:
What Role Does the Circulatory System Have
in Helping the Body Maintain Homeostasis?
We want you to:
1. Identify and describe the primary function
and organs of the circulatory system
2. Describe the difference between the
structure & function of each blood vessel
Functions of the Circulatory System
AKA: Cardiovascular System
Circulate blood to
TRANSPORT:
1. Oxygen TO cells AND CO2
AWAY from cells
2. Nutrients (glucose) to cells
and wastes AWAY
3. Immune system components
(WBCs, antibodies)
4. Hormones
Circulatory System Organs
1.Blood (last unit)
2.Heart
3.Blood vessels
Blood
(Review)
• Fluid tissue that
transports: blood
cells, nutrients,
gasses oxygen/carbon
dioxide, & waste
Heart Basics
1. Function: Pump blood
through the body
2. Structure: mainly made of
cardiac muscle
3. Details: has 4 chambers:
– Left & right ventricles
– Left & right atriums
Blood Vessels
• Tubes that transport
blood from heart to all
cells in the body
• 3 types: arteries, veins,
capillaries
• Each type has a
different function
Memory Tool to Remember Veins &
Arteries
VeINs
1. Function: carry blood INto the
heart FROM body
2. Structure: THINNER than
arteries
3. Details:
– Blood here is under LOWER
pressure than in arteries
– Contain muscular valves to
help push blood back INTO to
the heart (usually against
gravity)
Capillaries
1. Function: where exchange
of nutrients & oxygen TO
cells & waste/CO2 AWAY
from cells occurs
2. Structure: tiniest AND
thinnest blood vessel - only
one cell thick!
3. Details: Connect arteries to
veins
Memory Tool to Remember
Capillaries Connect