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Circulatory System Notes

The circulatory system is a network that transports oxygen, nutrients, and hormones while removing waste products. It consists of pulmonary and systemic circulation pathways, various blood components, and blood vessels including arteries, capillaries, and veins. The heart, with its four chambers and key structures, plays a crucial role in pumping blood, and common heart conditions include coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and arrhythmias.

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3 views2 pages

Circulatory System Notes

The circulatory system is a network that transports oxygen, nutrients, and hormones while removing waste products. It consists of pulmonary and systemic circulation pathways, various blood components, and blood vessels including arteries, capillaries, and veins. The heart, with its four chambers and key structures, plays a crucial role in pumping blood, and common heart conditions include coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and arrhythmias.

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regaspi.jennyrose.luarca1
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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General Biology 2: Circulatory System Summary

I. Overview: The Circulatory System

- Definition: A network of blood vessels, the heart, and blood that transports materials in a one-way loop.
- Functions:
* Transport: Delivers oxygen (O2), nutrients, and hormones to cells.
* Waste Removal: Carries away carbon dioxide (CO2) and other waste products.

II. Circulatory Pathways

1. Pulmonary Circulation: Heart -> Lungs -> Heart. Picks up O2 and drops off CO2.
2. Systemic Circulation: Heart -> Body -> Heart. Delivers O2 to tissues and collects CO2.

III. Blood Components

- Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Transport oxygen using hemoglobin.


- White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Immune system; fight infections.
- Platelets (Thrombocytes): Essential for blood clotting (hemostasis).
- Plasma: Liquid portion where cells, nutrients, and wastes float.

IV. Blood Vessels

- Arteries: Carry blood AWAY from the heart. Thick, muscular walls. (Exception: Pulmonary Artery carries
deoxygenated blood).
- Capillaries: Smallest vessels (one cell thick). Site of gas/nutrient exchange.
- Veins: Carry blood BACK to the heart. Contain valves. (Exception: Pulmonary Veins carry oxygenated
blood).

V. The Heart: Anatomy & Mechanics

Chambers:
- Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
- Right Ventricle: Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
- Left Atrium: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
- Left Ventricle: Strongest; pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body.
General Biology 2: Circulatory System Summary

Key Structures:
- Aorta: Largest artery.
- Septum: Wall separating right and left sides.
- Valves: Ensure one-way flow (Tricuspid, Mitral).
- Nodes: Electrical centers (SA/AV) controlling heartbeat.

VI. Common Heart Conditions

- Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque narrowing arteries.


- Myocardial Infarction: Heart attack (blocked flow).
- Angina Pectoris: Chest pain (Stable/Unstable).
- Arrhythmia: Abnormal heart rhythm.
- Congestive Heart Failure: Weak/stiff pumping.
- Cardiomyopathy: Enlarged/thickened muscle.
- Inflammation: Myocarditis (muscle), Pericarditis (lining), Endocarditis (valves).
- Others: Pulmonary Embolism (lung clot), Heart Murmur, Cardiac Arrest (sudden loss of function).

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