Circulatory system free essay sample

The Circulatory System The circulatory system is the system ot the human body that is responsible tor delivering oxygen, nutrients, and disease-fighting cells to the bodys organs and tissues. Parts of the circulatory system Include the cardiovascular system, which consists of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and blood, as well as the lymphatic system, made up of the lymph vessels, nodes, and lymph Itself. The cardiovascular system brings oxygen and glucose to the bodys tissues in the blood and distributes white blood cells, which defend against disease. The lymphatic system produces and transports additional immune cells. The cardiovascular system is known as a closed system, meaning that the blood it carries is re-circulated, while the lymphatic system is open, meaning that the lymph, the clear fluid within, is able to exit its complex of vessels and enter the cardiovascular system, Within the cardiovascular system are several important parts of the circulatory system. We will write a custom essay sample on Circulatory system or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They include two major organs, the heart and lungs. Also part of this system is a network of arteries, which carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, and eins, which bring deoxygenated blood back to the heart to receive more oxygen in the lungs. Blood Is also part of the cardiovascular system. Blood is the fluid that transports the disease-fighting white blood cells, the oxygen-supplying red blood cells, and the fuel-replenishing electrolytes to the bodys various tissues. There are two systems for circulating blood. During pulmonary circulation, the deoxygenated blood that has been returned to the heart Is pumped into the lungs, where It receives more oxygen, and then pumped back Into the heart to be distributed throughout the ody. Systemic circulation is the process by which the arteries take this blood away from the heart and deliver it to the body, only for the blood to be returned by the veins to receive a new supply of oxygen. The lymph itself is the name for fluid traveling within the lymphatic system. It contains plasma, water, nutrients. and cell waste products, and can build up in body tissues, causing edema or swelling. Lymph is one of those parts of the circulatory system that is able to drain this excess fluid and its accompanying waste products out the tissues. ere it can be taken by the blood to the various organs that remove It from the body. The very reason these parts of the circulatory system exist is to distribute the components contained in blood. Oxygen is essential In that it provides some of the energy required during cell metabolism. Nutrients like glucose are what fuel the brain as well as the muscles, while amino acids found in protein repair the muscles and other tissues. They are wha t keep the body running. Electrolytes like sodium make muscle contractions and therefore movement possible. Leukocytes, or white blood cells, rush to wherever they are needed to fight off Infection. other key parts of the circulatory system are the components of the lymphatic system. The lymph vessels transport lymph, a clear fluid that filters Infectious material from the body. They also drain plasma, which Is carried from the blood to tissues where It is needed to fight infection, back Into the blood stream. In the lymph nodes the lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell, infection. Arteriosclerosis is a common disease of the circulatory system caused by he buildup of fat, cholesterol, or other substance in the artery wall. Deposits in the artery cause the vessel to stiffen and narrow. Diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and high blood pressure can result in stiff arteries that restrict blood flow through the heart. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when a high force of blood presses against the artery walls over time. This condition can develop from a diet high in salt, smoking, kidney disease, or some other underlying medical condition. Untreated high blood pressure may lead to stroke, heart failure, or visual problems. An aortic aneurysm occurs when a section of the aorta bulges, stretches, and swells. This bulge can weaken the aorta to the point that it bursts, releasing blood into the body. Bleeding from an aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency that can be caused by high blood pressure, smoking, aging, high cholesterol, and a positive family history. Heart disease occurs when the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the heart narrow and stiffen. Smoking, an unhealthy diet, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle all ncrease the risk of heart disease. A heart attack or stroke can occur if the condition is untreated. Varicose veins are another common disease of the circulatory system that happens when veins in the legs twist, swell, and become painful. Aging, pregnancy, prolonged standing, and defective valves can all contribute to the development of varicose veins. Most of the time varicose veins can be treated by elevating the lower extremities, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting positions, and wearing supportive stockings.