Components of the Circulatory System

 

Transport in humans: The Blood Vascular System

 

The human circulatory system is made of three main parts called

a.     The blood:  A fluid (medium) that transport dissolved substances around the body.

b.     Blood vessels: tubes through which blood travels around the body

c.      The heart: a muscular pump which provides the pressure (force) needed to push the medium (blood) through tubes (blood vessels) around the body.

 

The flow chart below shows how the various parts of the blood vascular system

 

Arrangement of the transport system in humans


Blood

Functions of blood

Blood has three main functions

  • To transport: Blood transports substances such as heat, waste, hormones, blood cells, oxygen, antibodies, nutrients etc around the body.
  • Defend against diseases: the blood protects us from harmful substances produced by foreign agents. White blood cells produces antibodies against foreign agents and engulf bacteria, plasma proteins destroys diseased cells and causes chemical reactions to prevent blood loss in case of a cut on the body etc.  The blood also protects the body from the invasion of microorganism when there is an open wound or cut.
  • Regulates (controls) body temperature: The blood helps to remove excess heat from or conserve excess heat in the body when it gets too hot or cold.

 *Reproduction: The penis is kept erected by the use of blood during intercourse to facilitate sexual reproduction

 

Components of Blood
Blood is a tissue made up of 55% Plasma and 45% Blood cells. The average adult contains about 5 liters of blood (1.3 gallons) which forms about 8% of their body mass. Blood has a pH of 7.35 – 7.45 which is slightly alkaline.




Blood Vessels

Blood vessels are tubes through which blood travels. The three main types of blood vessels are called Arteries, Veins and Capillaries






Notes on Blood Vessels


The Heart

The heart is a muscular pump which provides the force needed to push blood throughout the body. The heart is described as myogenic because it is able to initiate its own beat. It is about the size of a clenched fist and is made up of a special type of muscle called cardiac muscle. This type of muscles never tires, wears or tears. The heart is located in the chest cavity where it is protected by the sternum which forms a part of the rib cage.




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References 


Blood plasma - Google Search. (n.d.). Www.google.com. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://g.co/kgs/ySX2Y6

Learning Junction. (2019, March 28). Human Blood Video | Blood Components | Blood Cells. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrE6Y0Se8bw&t=28s

Michelle. (2017, May 17). Circulatory System| Components of The Blood. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hq_5MgdGtA&t=14s

Skoolers.com. (2022). Blood Cells and Platelets – Skoolers.com: CSEC / CXC Exam Preparation. Skoolers.com. http://skoolers.com/2015/11/blood-cells-and-platelets/





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