Chapter: Circulatory System
1. Circulatory System – Introduction
The circulatory system is the system responsible for the transport of materials like oxygen,
carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and wastes throughout the body.
It consists mainly of:
1. Heart
2. Blood
3. Blood vessels
Main Functions:
• Transport of oxygen and nutrients to body cells.
• Removal of carbon dioxide and waste products.
• Distribution of hormones.
• Helps in maintaining body temperature and water balance.
2. The Heart – Structure and Function
The heart is a muscular, hollow organ located slightly towards the left side of the chest
cavity. It acts as a pump to circulate blood throughout the body.
Structure: The human heart has four 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 – Pumps oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.
Note: The heart is made up of cardiac muscles that contract and relax continuously
throughout life without getting tired.
3. Valves in the Heart
Valves are flap-like structures that prevent backflow of blood and ensure one-way flow.
• Tricuspid Valve – Between right atrium and right ventricle.
• Pulmonary Valve – Between right ventricle and pulmonary artery.
• Bicuspid (Mitral) Valve – Between left atrium and left ventricle.
• Aortic Valve – Between left ventricle and aorta.
Note: Valves act like gates that open and close with each heartbeat.
4. Difference in Muscle Wall Thickness
The walls of ventricles are thicker than those of atria because they need to pump blood out
of the heart. The left ventricle has the thickest wall as it pumps blood to the entire body.
Chamber Function Wall Thickness
Right Atrium Receives blood from body Thin
Right Ventricle Pumps blood to lungs Moderately thick
Left Atrium Receives blood from lungs Thin
Left Ventricle Pumps blood to body Very thick
5. Oxygenated and Deoxygenated Blood
Type of Blood Description Colour Found In
Oxygenated Blood Rich in oxygen, low Bright red Lungs → Heart →
in CO₂ Body (left side of
heart)
Deoxygenated Blood Low in oxygen, rich Dark red Body → Heart →
in CO₂ Lungs (right side of
heart)
Flow Summary:
• Oxygenated blood flows through arteries (except pulmonary artery).
• Deoxygenated blood flows through veins (except pulmonary vein).
6. Double Circulation
Double circulation means blood passes through the heart twice during one complete cycle.
i) Pulmonary Circulation – Circulation of blood between heart and lungs. Function:
Exchange of gases (deoxygenated blood becomes oxygenated).
Pathway: Right ventricle → Pulmonary artery → Lungs → Pulmonary vein → Left atrium.
ii) Systemic Circulation – Circulation of blood between heart and body tissues. Function:
Supply oxygen and nutrients to the body.
Pathway: Left ventricle → Aorta → Body → Vena cava → Right atrium.
Note: Double circulation ensures complete separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated
blood.
Note: Fishes have single circulation in their body and their heart is two chambered.
7. Blood Vessels
Blood Vessel Function Special Features
Arteries Carry blood away from the Thick, elastic walls; high
heart pressure
Veins Carry blood towards the Thin walls; valves prevent
heart backflow
Capillaries Connect arteries and veins One cell thick walls for
diffusion
Note: Arteries takes blood Away from the Heart
8. How the Heart Beats
The heartbeat is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscles. One
heartbeat consists of:
• Systole – Contraction of heart chambers (pumping phase).
• Diastole – Relaxation of heart chambers (filling phase).
Average rate: 72 beats per minute in a healthy adult.
Sound of heartbeat: 'Lub-dub' sound caused by the closing of valves.
Note: The heartbeat is controlled by the natural pacemaker SA node (Sinoatrial node).