Overview of the Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular system

Transports nutrients and gases throughout the body.

Circulatory system

Network of vessels and heart for blood flow.

Closed circulatory system

Blood contained inside blood vessels, unidirectional flow.

Open circulatory system

Blood pumped into hemocoel, mixes with interstitial fluid.

Hemolymph

Fluid in open systems, combines blood and interstitial fluid.

Ostia

Openings in heart for blood circulation in open systems.

Diffusion

Process used by primitive animals for nutrient exchange.

Single circuit

Fish circulatory system with 2 chambered heart.

Gill circulation

Gas exchange occurs in fish gills.

Systemic circulation

Blood flow from gills to body and back.

Pulmonary circulation

Blood flow from heart to lungs and back.

Pulmocutaneous circulation

Gas exchange occurs through skin in amphibians.

Three chambered heart

Heart structure in amphibians and most reptiles.

Four chambered heart

Heart structure in mammals and birds, separates blood.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells, deliver oxygen to body cells.

Hemoglobin

Iron-containing protein that binds oxygen in blood.

Plasma

Liquid component of blood, 90% water.

Leukocytes

White blood cells, key in immune response.

Granulocytes

Type of leukocyte including neutrophils and basophils.

Agranulocytes

Type of leukocyte including monocytes and lymphocytes.

Platelets

Cell fragments that aid in blood clotting.

Cardiac cycle

Sequence of heart contractions and relaxations.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from heart.

Capillaries

Narrow vessels for nutrient and gas exchange.

Veins

Blood vessels that return blood to the heart.