Circulation

Pulmonary circulation

The process by which deoxygenated blood travels from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.

Inferior vena cava

Vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium.

Superior vena cava

Vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium.

Right atrium

Chamber of the heart that receives deoxygenated blood from the vena cavae.

Right ventricle

Chamber of the heart that pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries.

Pulmonary arteries

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Oxygenated blood

Blood that has picked up oxygen in the lungs and is ready to be circulated throughout the body.

Left atrium

Chamber of the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins.

Left ventricle

Chamber of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta.

Aorta

The main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

Deoxygenated blood

Blood that is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide, returned to the heart from the body's tissues.

Blood circulation

The continuous movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells.

Nutrient exchange

The process in which cells receive oxygen and nutrients and give off waste products.