Cardiovascular

System
By: Loricar Mae Saga
Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system is one of the most important processes in
the body. Also referred to as the circulatory system or vascular system, the
cardiovascular system is an essential component of maintaining homeostasis, a
state of balance among systems of the body, by circulating blood. When it
comes to understanding your heart health, it’s important to be familiar with the
parts of the cardiovascular system and how the system works.
Cardiovascular Function
• The cardiovascular system is the transport system of the
body, responsible for circulating oxygen and transporting
nutrients throughout the body. In addition to providing
oxygen and nutrients, blood also helps cleanse the body
by collecting waste products like carbon dioxide. The
continuous, controlled circulation of the blood the
cardiovascular system provides is what maintains
homeostasis. With oxygen provided and waste removed,
the body can perform its normal functions.
Cardiovascular System’s parts
and its functions.
1. Blood

Blood is the fluid that carries the oxygen and nutrients vital to
the function of the body, as well as the waste that needs to be
removed. Without blood, the human body could not function.
Blood flows between the heart and the rest of the body, with red
blood cells providing oxygen and white blood cells fighting
foreign invaders. In the cycle of blood flow, the lungs provide
the oxygen that the blood delivers to the rest of the body.
2. Blood Vessels

Another essential part of the cardiovascular system is the blood

vessels, which are tubes that transport blood throughout the
body. There are so many blood vessels in the body that if you
laid the average adult’s out in a line, the line would be close to
100,000 miles long.

Based on their function, blood vessels are classified as either

arteries, veins, or capillaries. Arteries carry blood from the
heart to the body, and veins carry blood from the body to the
heart. Capillaries are extremely narrow, microscopic blood
vessels that connect arteries and veins.
3. Heart

The heart acts as the pump that makes the circulation of blood –
and the oxygen and nutrients blood carries – to all tissues of the
body possible. If the heart stops pumping for even a few
minutes, it cannot deliver blood to the rest of the body, putting
the individual’s life in danger.

In terms of structure, the heart has two sides and is divided into
four chambers: the left atrium, the right atrium, the left
ventricle, and the right ventricle. The thin-walled atria receive
blood from the veins, and the thick-walled ventricles pump
blood out of the heart. On the left and right sides of the heart,
the atrium and ventricle work together to pump blood through
and out of the heart.
Both sides of the heart work simultaneously to promote blood
flow. On the left, blood flows from the lungs to the atrium and
then the ventricle, which pumps it into the rest of the body. On
the right side, blood flows from the rest of the body into the
atrium, then the ventricle, which pumps the blood into the
lungs.

Valves between the chambers of the heart ensure blood flows in

the correct direction. Veins also contain valves to maintain blood
flow into the heart. Arteries don’t need valves, as the pressure
of blood flow from the heart is enough to keep blood flowing in
the correct direction.
Cardiovascular Diseases are conditions that affect the structures
or function of your heart, such as:

• Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias

• Aorta disease and Marfan syndrome
• Congenital heart disease
• Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries)
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
• Heart valve disease
• Pericardial disease
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Stroke
• Vascular disease (blood vessel disease)
 Tips on how to take care of
your Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular health is dependent upon all parts of the
cardiovascular system working properly. There are many ways to
improve your heart health and work to promote strong, efficient
blood flow throughout the body. Even simple lifestyle changes
can help prevent cardiological issues. Getting regular exercise,
including aerobic exercise and resistance training, eating a heart-
healthy diet, and managing stress are just a few of the steps you
can take to a healthier heart.