What is the circulatory system responsible?
Functions of Circulatory System:
1. Supply of oxygen to tissues: Through the process of cellular respiration, cells and tissues require a continuous supply of oxygen. The circulatory system facilitates the transport of oxygen from the lungs to various body tissues. Oxygen is bound to hemoglobin, a protein present in red blood cells.
2. Removal of carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular respiration and needs to be removed from the body. The circulatory system transports carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs, where it is exhaled.
3. Transport of nutrients: Nutrients obtained from the digestive system must be delivered to the body's various cells. The circulatory system ensures this nutrient transport. Nutrients, once absorbed in the small intestine, are transported to the liver and then distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream.
4. Transport of hormones: Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands. They regulate a variety of bodily functions. The circulatory system is responsible for transporting hormones from endocrine glands to target cells in different organs and tissues.
5. Body temperature regulation: Blood circulation also assists in maintaining body temperature. When the body is too hot, blood vessels near the skin surface dilate, allowing heat to escape and cool the body. In cold conditions, blood vessels constrict to minimize heat loss.
6. Protection and defense: The circulatory system contributes to the body's defense mechanisms. White blood cells, specialized immune cells, are transported through the bloodstream to sites of infection or injury. Additionally, the circulatory system assists in the clotting process to prevent excessive blood loss in case of injuries or damaged blood vessels.
Overall, the circulatory system plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's homeostasis by transporting essential substances, regulating temperature, and assisting in defense mechanisms. It ensures that the cells and tissues have the necessary resources to function properly and helps eliminate waste products.