Body Systems
Cardiovascular System:
The circulatory system is an organ system that passes nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), gases,
hormones, blood cells, etc. to and from cells in the body to help fight diseases and help stabilize body
temperature and pH to maintain homeostasis. This system may be seen strictly as a blood distribution network,
but some consider the circulatory system as composed of the cardiovascular system, which distributes blood,
and the lymphatic system, which distributes lymph. While humans, as well as other vertebrates, have a closed
cardiovascular system (meaning that the blood never leaves the network of arteries, veins and capillaries), some
invertebrate groups have an open cardiovascular system. The most primitive animal phyla lack circulatory
systems. The lymphatic system, on the other hand, is an open system.
The main components of the human circulatory system are the heart, the blood, and the blood vessels. The
circulatory system includes: the pulmonary circulation, a "loop" through the lungs where blood is oxygenated;
and the systemic circulation, a "loop" through the rest of the body to provide oxygenated blood. An average
adult contains five to six quarts (roughly 4.7 to 5.7 liters) of blood, which consists of plasma, red blood cells,
white blood cells, and platelets. Also, the digestive system works with the circulatory system to provide the
nutrients the system needs to keep the heart pumping.
Two types of fluids move through the circulatory system: blood and lymph. The blood, heart, and blood vessels
form the cardiovascular system. The lymph, lymph nodes, and lymph vessels form the lymphatic system. The
cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system collectively make up the circulatory system.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the resulting complications, is the main cause of death for both males and
females in the United States and other technologically advanced countries of the world. It usually is in the top
five causes of death in lesser-developed countries. Diseases of the cardiovascular system include those that
compromise the pumping ability of the heart, cause failure of the valves, or result in narrowing or hardening of
the arteries. In addition, toxins and infectious agents may damage the heart and blood vessels. Injury or failure
of the cardiovascular system, especially the heart, also will affect the peripheral tissues that depend on the
delivery of nutrients and the removal of wastes through the blood vascular system. CVD is a family of diseases
that includes hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
The following are some of the ways you can keep your cardiovascular system healthy:
• Reduce the amount of fat in your diet.
• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen your heart muscles.
• Avoid using tobacco products because they increase blood pressure.
• Maintain a healthful weight.
• Practice stress management skills.
Cardiovascular System:
Respiratory System:
The respiratory system's function is to allow gas exchange through all parts of the body. The space between the
alveoli and the capillaries, the anatomy or structure of the exchange system, and the precise physiological uses
of the exchanged gases vary depending on organism. In humans and other mammals, for example, the
anatomical features of the respiratory system include airways, lungs, and the respiratory muscles. Molecules of
oxygen and carbon dioxide are passively exchanged, by diffusion, between the gaseous external environment
and the blood. This exchange process occurs in the alveolar region of the lungs.
Other animals, such as insects, have respiratory systems with very simple anatomical features, and in
amphibians even the skin plays a vital role in gas exchange. Plants also have respiratory systems but the
directionality of gas exchange can be opposite to that in animals. The respiratory system in plants also includes
anatomical features such as holes on the undersides of leaves known as stomata.
Diseases and disorders of the respiratory tract include:
Asthma
Is an allergic reaction that causes constriction of the bronchiole muscles, thereby reducing the air
passages, thus the amount of air that can get to the alveoli. Interestingly, many of the treatments for
asthma are similar to treatments used for hypoglycemia. That and the fact that diabetics rarely also have
asthma have led some authors to suggest that asthma may be related to hypoglycemia, and that a
hypoglycemia diet may aid in alleviation of asthma symptoms.
Emphysema
Is a progressive loss of elasticity in the lungs due to rupture of some alveolar walls, coalescing of
alveoli, and formation of scar tissue.
Lung cancer
Has been shown to be more common in people who smoke cigarettes and/or who are constantly forced
to inhale someone else’s side stream smoke. A number of pamphlets from the American Cancer Society
and biology textbooks have featured pictures that show what smoking can do to a person’s lungs.
Typically, there is a photograph of a robust, healthy, pink lung next to a photograph of a shriveled,
diseased, blackened lung from a smoker. Similarly, people who work around substances like asbestos
fibers, coal dust, flour dust, or dry, crumbled, dusty bird droppings for much of their lives, frequently
show signs of lung diseases caused by these substances.
Laryngitis
Is an inflammation of the vocal cords in which the person partially or totally loses his/her voice.
Bronchitis
Is an inflammation of the bronchi, causing them to over-secrete mucus, which in turn, causes coughing
to get it up.
Hiccups
Are spasms of the diaphragm thought to be caused by not enough CO2 in the body. Thus, hiccups are
frequently cured by breathing into a paper bag.
The following are ways to keep your respiratory system healthy:
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid breathing secondhand smoke.
• Do not inhale harmful drugs.
• Avoid breathing polluted air.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid inhaling harmful chemicals.
• Seek medical help for respiratory infections
Respiratory System: