What is the definition of circulatory system?

Circulatory system

The circulatory system is a network of blood vessels that transport blood and other fluids throughout the body. The circulatory system consists of the heart, blood vessels (arteries, capillaries, and veins), and blood.

Functions of the circulatory system:

* Pumping oxygenated blood to the tissues: The heart pumps oxygenated blood through the arteries to the tissues.

* Returning deoxygenated blood to the heart: Deoxygenated blood is returned to the heart through the veins.

* Regulating body temperature: The circulatory system helps to regulate body temperature by transporting heat from warmer parts of the body to cooler parts of the body.

* Protecting the body from infection: The circulatory system helps to protect the body from infection by transporting white blood cells and antibodies to the site of infection.

* Transporting hormones and nutrients to the tissues: The circulatory system transports hormones and nutrients from the endocrine glands and other organs to the tissues.

* Removing waste products from the tissues: The circulatory system removes waste products from the tissues and transports them to the kidneys.

Types of blood vessels:

* Arteries: Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. Arteries have thick, muscular walls that help to maintain blood pressure.

* Capillaries: Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body. Capillaries have thin, porous walls that allow oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other nutrients to pass through them.

* Veins: Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. Veins have thin, muscular walls and contain valves that help to prevent blood from flowing backwards.

Blood:

Blood is a fluid tissue that is made up of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

* Plasma: Plasma is the liquid component of blood. Plasma is made up of water, electrolytes, hormones, and other proteins.

* Red blood cells: Red blood cells are specialized cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen molecules.

* White blood cells: White blood cells are cells that help to protect the body from infection. There are several types of white blood cells, each with a specific function.

* Platelets: Platelets are cells that help to form blood clots. Platelets are activated when blood vessels are damaged, and they aggregate together to form a clot that plugs the hole in the blood vessel.