Understanding the Cardiovascular System
Understanding the Cardiovascular System
Lesson duration is: 60 minItems in this lesson
Understanding the Cardiovascular System
What do you already know about the circulatory system?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to describe the structure and main functions of the cardiovascular system.
What is the Cardiovascular System?
The cardiovascular or circulatory system is the body’s system for transporting blood, nutrients, and gases throughout the body.
The Heart
A muscular organ with four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. It pumps blood around the body.
Main Structures
The key parts are the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), and blood.
Blood Vessels: Arteries and Veins
Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.
Arteries
Veins
Carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Capillaries
Tiny blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nutrients occurs between blood and tissues.
Transport and Circulation
The circulatory system moves oxygen and nutrients to body tissues, and removes waste products.
Functions in Sport
Delivers more oxygen to muscles during exercise, removes carbon dioxide and helps regulate body temperature.
Summary: Functions of the System
Protection & Regulation
Protects against disease and controls temperature.
Circulation
Moves blood around the body.
Check Your Understanding
List two structures of the cardiovascular system and describe one function.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
